Climate Science and Policy

Salt marshes and other coastal ecosystems are pivotal in the sequestration and storage of carbon, commonly known as "coastal blue carbon." However, these ecosystems face severe degradation and anthropogenic impacts. This study focuses on assessing the carbon storage potential within the salt marshes of the Batiquitos Lagoon. Our investigation reveals significant carbon stocks ranging from 2.56 to 238.70 MgCorg ha-1, influenced by crucial factors such as maximum sediment depth and carbon density. Additionally, we compare the determined carbon stocks with regional benchmarks, yielding valuable insights to inform future conservation strategies aimed at safeguarding the carbon sinks of salt marshes. This work contributes to the expanding body of research on blue carbon ecosystems, emphasizing the vital role of ongoing research, monitoring, and conservation efforts.