BC4MSP

What is the issue

Blue carbon, the carbon captured and stored in natural marine and coastal habitats, is crucial for mitigating climate change. While some habitats are protected, only 2% of carbon-storing subtidal sediments are safeguarded. BC4MSP aimed to start addressing this issue, taking a transnational approach across five countries in the NPA (Ireland, Greenland, Iceland, Faroe Islands, Norway), which are particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change.

Understanding the extent of blue carbon

Specifically, BC4MSP aimed to improve understanding of the extent of blue carbon across the North Atlantic and identify where blue carbon is most likely to be stored in deep sea areas.

To begin addressing this objective a stock take was made of current data sources collected and stored both in Ireland and Greenland. This included data on organic carbon content in sediments as well as carbon stored in benthic megafauna, but also data availability of substratum type within the different continental shelves and knowledge on their geomorphology. 

Innovative Approaches

BC4MSP aimed to move forward and take new approaches in identifying biological and physical features likely to be indicators of blue carbon sinks in shelf-sea habitats, to fill knowledge gaps.

The use of alternative indicators for identifying blue carbon was discussed extensively. Irish and Norwegian partners are currently working on projects exploring blue carbon sinks on the Irish shelf by creating a seabed blue carbon model, based on existing data on organic carbon content and sediment grain size.

The BC4MSP workshop explored the possibility of finding carbon hotspots and determining if these are linked to biodiversity hotspots. 

BC4MSP also aimed to develop innovative Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) solutions that can incorporate new information about deep-sea blue carbon and other vital marine features to best protect them, while considering the conflicting needs of marine stakeholders in this region.

A particular need for an MSP tool was identified for Greenland, and the Faroe Islands, which are both in early stages of developing and adopting MSP approaches for their waters. The Greenland government has recognised the importance of a MSP tool and has made a formal offer to make funds available for an initial maintenance of a developed platform. 

Future Outlook

It is envisioned that outputs from future work that builds on this preliminary project will help to best protect blue carbon in the deep North Atlantic, mitigate against climate change and support the sustainable use of seas in the NPA so that they continue to provide important economic, societal and cultural value.