Blue Carbon in Our Backyard
The carbon sequestered and stored in coastal wetlands (blue carbon) can help coastal managers and policymakers achieve wetlands management, restoration and conservation goals. Blue carbon also has benefits for climate mitigation and adaptation. Since 2011, the Bringing Wetlands to Market (BWM) project team has been on the leading edge of investigating different aspects of carbon cycling and greenhouse gas dynamics in coastal wetlands. The team has also prioritized working with a range of stakeholders and end users to link application of what is being learned from the science to management and policy efforts.
This conference focused on the results of Phase 2 (2016-2019) of the BWM Project looking at blue carbon and tidal restoration, as well as, related external research on blue carbon.
This conference also featured new guidance and tools for managers and policymakers to advance blue carbon research and application in New England and beyond.
Project Overview & Keynote Address
Blue Carbon In Our Backyard: Opening Remarks
Tonna-Marie Surgeon-Rogers, Manager, Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
SESSION 1
Exploring Carbon Storage and Greenhouse Gas Fluxes in Salt Marshes Across A Restoration Spectrum: Examining the Impact of Tidal Restoration on Blue Carbon – Results and Lessons Learned from BWM and Related Research
Lightning Talks: Learn About Other Blue Carbon Research Projects in our Region
SESSION 2
Estimating Carbon Dioxide and Methane Fluxes and Potential Carbon Storage in Coastal Salt Marshes: A User Friendly Model For Managers
SESSION 3
Exploring the Feasibility of a Carbon Market Project in New England: Herring River Project Case Study
Q & A with Researchers
Implications of BWM Science Findings; Future Blue Carbon Research Needs
Moderator: Tonna-Marie Rogers, Waquoit Bay NERR
Panelists (left to right): Dr. Jim Tang, Marine Biological Laboratory
Dr. Ariana Sutton, University of Maryland College Park
Dr. Meagan Gonneea, USGS and Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center
Dr. James Holmquist, Smithsonian Environmental Research Center
Dr. Kevin Kroeger, USGS and Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center
What’s Next for Blue Carbon? Management, Policy and Science
Facilitator: Chris Kinkade, Office of Coastal Management, NOAA
Panelists (left to right): Tonna-Marie Rogers – Director, Waquoit Bay NERR
Hong-Hanh Chu – Global Warming Solutions Act Program Manager, Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs
Dr. Phil Colarusso – Marine Biologist, Environmental Protection Agency
Dr. Ariana Sutton- Grier –Visiting Associate Research Professor, University of Maryland College Park
Stefanie Simpson – Coastal Wetlands Program Manager, The Nature Conservancy
