Work Package 5: Evaluation of potential blue carbon systems (pBCE) and carbon hotspots, with research recommendations

Objectives:

• Detailed evaluation of potential BCEs

• Integration of current research activities relevant to potential BCE, with a dedicated task on macroalgae

• Updated maps on Irish BCE and pBCE at relevant scales and identification of hotspots

• Identification of future research needs on pBCE for Ireland

• Identification of threats to pBCEs

Tasks:

• Detailed Evaluation of potential BCEs

• Mapping of both BCEs and pBCEs

• Analysis of BC potential of macroalgal systems in Irish waters

• Provide a workable definition of “Blue Carbon” systems for Ireland and consider and characterise potential threats to pBCEs

Deliverables:

• Report on current status of potential BCE (other than macroalgae)

• Review and integration of existing data from other projects to identify gaps

• Large-scale maps of coastal/marine habitat types for BC modelling and identification of ‘hotspots’

• Detailed maps to support identification of hotspots of pBCEs and experimental work and areal estimates on C budgets in selected sites for seagrasses, saltmarshes and macroalgae 

• Review of existing data and distributional maps of natural macroalgal beds and aquaculture potential

• Field data on C fluxes from selected Irish macroalgal beds