Maximizing blue carbon stocks through saltmarsh restoration

Political discourse around coastal wetland restoration and blue carbon management strategies has increased in the past decade, yet storage neither been a reason for restoration, nor criterion to measure success of current saltmarsh schemes UK. To maximise climate change mitigation through knowledge on key drivers stock variability is required. We use restored saltmarshes similar age, paired with adjacent natural marshes as references, identify stocks following managed realignment within an estuary southeastern England. From surficial soil cores (top 30 cm), we measured alongside environmental characteristics. Carbon between sites were after ~ years when above mean high water neap (MHWN) tidal levels. Elevated marsh platforms likely provide suitable conditions development mature plant communities associated greater capture production organic carbon. The site at Tollesbury (Essex, UK) had 2-fold lower than other estuary. attribute this site’s low position frame, below MHWN levels, coupled sediment supply dominance pioneer communities. As anticipated become important facet recommend that levels are selected or preference given coastlines may rapidly elevate MHWN. Alternatively, elevation could be artificially raised prior realignment. Restoration aiming should also encourage establishment species (e.g., Atriplex portulacoides our study) enhance stocks. However, overall goal ought carefully considered trade-offs ecosystem services ensue if alone pursued.