This study uses biogeochemical simulations to demonstrate that restoring blue carbon ecosystems (BCEs), such as mangroves and seagrasses, can lead to permanent carbon dioxide removal by enhancing ocean alkalinity and driving atmosphere-to-ocean CO2 fluxes. The research highlights the significant role of mangrove restoration in local ocean alkalinity enhancement. Increased alkalinity is linked to higher rates of anaerobic respiration and calcium carbonate dissolution in sediments. The findings support the importance of BCE restoration projects and incorporating inorganic carbon removal into their economic and regulatory incentives.

Mojtaba Fakhraee, Noah J. Planavsky, Christopher T. Reinhard