Blue Carbon Ecosystem Management as a Natural Climate Solution in San Diego County

Carbon-storing marine ecosystems, known as blue carbon ecosystems, include salt marsh and seagrass meadows, like those found in Southern California’s coastal wetlands. Although only a fraction of the region’s wetlands remains, they are ecological cornerstones and important areas for nature-based recreation, education, and research. Moreover, they sequester and store more atmospheric carbon per acre than most other ecosystems on Earth. The San Diego County coastline has unlocked potential to provide natural climate solutions through the restoration and conservation of the region’s coastal wetlands.