Nature-based solutions: Marine

Our marine and coastal work

Blue carbon

Climate change is increasing pressures on Scotland's marine environment in many ways. Like peatlands and woodlands, Scotland's marine and coastal habitats can play a role in climate change mitigation by absorbing carbon dioxide (CO₂). CO₂ can be converted to organic carbon via photosynthesis by coastal and marine plants. This organic carbon can then be stored in underlying sediments or be transported by currents and become buried elsewhere when plant material dies or breaks away. Organic carbon stored in marine and coastal habitats is referred to as ‘blue carbon’.

In Scotland, blue carbon habitats such as seagrass meadows and intertidal saltmarshes are considered the most important in terms of climate mitigation. Actions (such as restoration or reducing pressures through good management) can enhance sequestration, helping to reduce atmospheric CO₂ and tackle climate change. Other blue carbon habitats, such as kelp forests, and marine sediments play a role in long-term climate regulation, particularly due to their expansive coverage in Scottish waters. Research into the role of these habitats as carbon stores is ongoing. We, along with many partners, are working to understand how these carbon processes work and how pressures might affect carbon storage.

Scotland has had a prominent role in blue carbon research over the past decade, supported by the formation of the Scottish Blue Carbon Forum in 2018. A study of blue carbon in Scotland's coastal and marine environment was published in 2014, followed by blue carbon in Scotland's inshore marine protected areas in 2017. Since these assessments, our understanding of the importance of blue carbon has evolved and NatureScot published a further literature review assessing the current evidence for Scotland’s blue carbon habitats. 

Scottish Government has recently developed a Blue Carbon Action Plan to improve the management, protection, and enhancement of its coastal and marine environments by identifying and addressing gaps in scientific evidence, to inform policies for habitat protection and restoration.

Find out more about blue carbon by exploring our Enhancing Scotland’s Blue Carbon Story Map. 

Coastal protection

As sea levels rise and storm events become more frequent, coastal cities and towns are likely to experience more sea-flooding events. Flood protection by ecosystem creation and restoration can provide a more sustainable, cost-effective and ecologically sound alternative to conventional coastal engineering.

In tropical climates, this can be seen in the form of restoring mangrove forests. In Scotland, this spans from managing and conserving coastal wetlands through practical conservation, as well as forming local coastal partnerships, and projects engaging residents with their local shoreline.

More information:

Managing nature for carbon

Managing coasts and seas

Marine impacts