Blue carbon credits are created by the growth and conservation of carbon-absorbing plants, such as mangrove forests and their associated marine habitat.

Blue Carbon refers to the carbon stored in coastal ecosystems like mangroves, seagrasses, and salt marshes.

These ecosystems cover just 1% of the ocean floor but can store up to 10 times more carbon per unit area than terrestrial forests.

Blue Carbon is so-called because it is stored in marine or coastal living organisms and the sediments beneath them.

Blue Carbon ecosystems are vital for the health of our planet. They not only store carbon but also provide essential services such as water purification, coastal protection, and habitat for marine life.

Over the past decade scientists have discovered that seagrass meadows, tidal marshes and mangrove forests are among the most intensive carbon sinks in the world. This means blue carbon offsets can remove enormous amounts of greenhouse gases.

A blue carbon offset project should have its carbon credits trade at a premium.

This is because of the large positive second-order effects such as the positive effects on corals, algae, and marine biodiversity (e.g. sharks, whales, sea turtles) that have been so negatively impacted by activities such as over-fishing and farming.

Mangroves Store 10x more carbon than terrestrial forests (Source: Kauffman et al, 2018)