Assessing carbon stocks | Carbon stock assessment involves quantifying the amount of carbon that is stored in wetland soils and contained in plants, above and below ground. This carbon stock information is critical for quantifying the carbon storage potential of wetlands and predicting gas fluxes from the soil.

Quantify greenhouse gas emissions and carbon sequestration rates | Gases are continually being exchanged between soils and the atmosphere. Researchers have been measuring the flux of gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane, from different wetlands to better understand how restoration actions might impact the carbon storage of a wetland.

Identifying and engaging partners | Blue carbon opens up opportunities to address a variety of coastal challenges in innovative ways and engage diverse partners. An important lesson learned across all projects is the need to be thoughtful about when the concept can be applied, who to engage, and how.

Evaluating carbon market feasibility | Voluntary carbon markets offer an opportunity to financially support wetland restoration or protection projects, but the process for quantifying and putting a dollar value on a project’s carbon impact is data- intensive, complex, and requires verification. A feasibility assessment is the first step in considering a blue carbon offset project and informs project development.

Leading demonstration projects | In some cases, enough data and momentum exist for partners to advance blue carbon demonstration projects, which build on feasibility studies and follow approved carbon methodologies to show proof-of-concept.