Welcome to our new blog post! Today, we’re diving into the world of Blue Carbon Ecosystems (BCEs) and introducing you to an exciting new initiative—the BluECR network. Whether you’re new to blue carbon or already working in these vital habitats, this post will provide insights into their importance and invite you to join a community dedicated to advancing blue carbon research.
Derrymore island saltmarsh, Ireland (photo credit Saule Akhmetkaliyeva).
Climate change, driven by rising levels of greenhouse gases like methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2), is one of the most pressing global challenges today. There are a number of solutions to climate change, including nature-based climate solutions such as terrestrial, coastal, and marine ecosystems. Among these, “blue carbon” ecosystems (BCEs) have recently gained attention for their exceptional ability to capture CO2 from the atmosphere.
“Blue carbon” refers to carbon captured by marine and coastal vegetated habitats, including saltmarshes, seagrass meadows, and mangrove forests. Despite their relatively small size, these coastal habitats can capture and continue to store carbon from centuries to millennia, doing so at rates significantly higher than terrestrial ecosystems. In addition to their carbon storage capabilities, BCEs provide crucial ecosystem services such as wildlife habitats and coastal protection from erosion and storm surges.
North Bull Island saltmarsh, Ireland (photo credit Saule Akhmetkaliyeva).
As blue carbon research gains momentum, many questions are being explored. For example, as a postdoctoral researcher at University College Dublin, I am investigating carbon sources in Irish saltmarshes as part of the BlueC project. My work involves using organic biomarkers (membrane lipids used as environmental signatures) to explore carbon sources and trace their origins within these habitats. Understanding these sources is essential for accurately evaluating the carbon storage potential of Irish saltmarshes and developing effective climate change mitigation strategies.
Introducing the BluECR Network
Despite the promising potential of blue carbon research, the field is still emerging. Often, new research groups consist only of a principal investigator and a PhD student or postdoc, with limited community support. This isolation can be particularly challenging for early career researchers (ECRs), who may find themselves working without the necessary collaboration and resources.
Meet BluECR network (logo created using Canva)
To address these challenges, we have established the BluECR network, specifically designed for ECRs in blue carbon research. Our mission is to advance blue carbon research by fostering interdisciplinary and international collaborations. BluECR aims to bring ECRs together, creating networking and outreach opportunities to support the recruitment and retention of the next generation of blue carbon scientists.
Meet the Team
Our team includes:
Saule Akhmetkaliyeva (University College Dublin)
Ryan Smazal (University College Dublin)
Dariya Baiko (Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg)
Alex Houston (University of St Andrews)
Lee Sung-Ching (Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry)
Lucy McMahon (Manchester Metropolitan University)
If you’re interested in our work, we’d love for you to get involved! Connect with us on LinkedIn (BluECR) and follow us on Twitter/X (@Blu_ECR). Your support will help us expand our network and enhance the visibility of blue carbon research.
Written by Saule Akhmetkaliyeva, edited by Lucia Layritz
