Story perspectives

Marine Forests: Portugal's Hidden Heroes in Carbon Capture

9/17/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Research from Portugal's CIIMAR and MARE reveals marine forests' crucial role in carbon capture.
The study examines kelp species Laminaria hyperborea and Saccorhiza polyschides along the northern coast.
These forests store about 16.48 gigagrams of carbon over 5,189 hectares, accounting for 14% of Portugal's blue carbon inventory.
Kelp habitats sequester one-third of carbon captured by Portugal's marine plants.
Researchers advocate for policies to protect and restore these ecosystems amid climate change threats.

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Story summary

Research from Portugal's CIIMAR and MARE reveals marine forests' crucial role in carbon capture.
The study examines kelp species Laminaria hyperborea and Saccorhiza polyschides along the northern coast.
These forests store about 16.48 gigagrams of carbon over 5,189 hectares, accounting for 14% of Portugal's blue carbon inventory.
Kelp habitats sequester one-third of carbon captured by Portugal's marine plants.
Researchers advocate for policies to protect and restore these ecosystems amid climate change threats.