Carbon sinks are natural systems such as forests and oceans which absorb and store carbon dioxide. Plants consume atmospheric CO2 for photosynthesis, and some of this carbon is transferred to the soil as it dies and decomposes. Blue carbon is the carbon stored and sequestered in coastal ecosystems such as mangrove forests, tidal marshes, seagrasses, kelp forests and other tidal or salt-water wetlands. These plants sequester CO2 from the atmosphere, accumulate carbon in biomass for years or decades, and then transfer carbon to sediments where it can be stored for several thousand years. In a short time, new layers of soil accumulate, allowing for further plant growth and carbon sequestration. It is believed blue carbon ecosystems can sequester carbon at concentrations up to five times greater than that of forests. Advocates say 83% of the world’s carbon circulates through the ocean, and half of it is sequestered by these coastal habitats which make up only 2% of the world’s total ocean area.

Pending Legislation: H.R.2750 - Blue Carbon for Our Planet Act
Sponsor: Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (OR)
Status: House Subcommittee on Environment (Science, Space, and Technology)
Chair: Rep. Paul Tonko (CA)