Optimal management of coastal ecosystems for blue carbon sequestration (ARC Linkage Grant administered by Deakin University) (2016-2020)

Coastal `blue carbon' ecosystems (seagrasses, saltmarshes, mangroves) are among earth's most efficient carbon sinks, but their capacity to sequester carbon is threatened globally by coastal development and climate change. Resource managers are in urgent need of guidance to manage coasts to minimise carbon losses and maximise gains. Our multidisciplinary team will develop world-first decision tools to predict how different management plans will affect the persistence of coastal ecosystems and their capacity to sequester carbon. This research is critical for the inclusion of coastal carbon into natural resource management and into the national greenhouse gas accounts providing new societal and financial impetus for restoration and protection.