Sea Grant at the Blue Carbon Frontier: Integrating Law, Science, Community Values, and Economics

Abstract

Blue carbon resources (coastal and marine habitats that transform and sequester atmospheric greenhouse gases) are essential for climate change mitigation while providing additive ecosystem services. The accelerating interest of businesses in blue carbon offsets has unveiled a new and potentially significant mechanism for financing coastal restoration and other projects. This highly interdisciplinary field is rapidly advancing, yet researchers, resource managers, investors, regulators, and decision-​makers need to understand the limitations, uncertainties, and potential for public-​private investments in blue carbon systems. We provide an overview of the coastal blue carbon landscape, including the state of scientific understanding of blue carbon resources, the emergence and significance of blue carbon markets, state and federal policy needs and trends, and necessary steps for continued development. This article is informed by the proceedings of the 2023 Blue Carbon Law Symposium (Athens, Georgia), which gathered researchers, legal scholars, business leaders, community stakeholders, policymakers, and others to discuss this emerging field with a focus on law and policy connections and needs.