“Blue carbon” refers to carbon sequestration in marine ecosystems. While carbon uptake in coastal vegetated areas has been well-studied, emerging techniques to boost carbon uptake in the open ocean raise complex issues. These include establishing baselines, ensuring the durability of carbon sinks, and addressing legal and governance challenges in transboundary waters. Current monitoring and accounting frameworks are not yet equipped to manage these approaches, risking inflated mitigation claims. Moving forward, governance should prioritize environmental integrity, climate benefits, and financing models beyond carbon crediting.

Originally published in Carbon Management, 16:1, 2585895, DOI: 10.1080/17583004.2025.2585895
Link: https://doi.org/10.1080/17583004.2025.2585895