Predicting Global Patterns in Mangrove Forest Biomass

Hutchison, James, Manica, Andrea, SWETNAM, Ruth, Balmford, Andrew and Spalding, Mark (2014) Predicting Global Patterns in Mangrove Forest Biomass. Conservation Letters, 7 (3). pp. 233-240. ISSN 1755263X

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Abstract or description

Understanding spatial variation in carbon storage in natural habitats is critical for climate change mitigation efforts such as REDD. Terrestrial forests are being mapped with increasing accuracy, but the distribution of ``blue carbon'' in marine ecosystems remains poorly understood. We reviewed the literature to obtain field data on carbon storage and fluxes in mangroves world-wide. Using this material we developed a climate-based model for potential mangrove above-ground biomass (AGB) with almost four times the explanatory power of the only previous published model. From this model, we present the first ever global map of potential mangrove AGB and estimate a total global mangrove AGB of 2.83 Pg, with an average of 184.8 t ha−1. Data on other carbon stocks and fluxes confirm the importance of mangroves in carbon accounting. The map highlights the high variability in mangrove AGB and indicates areas that should be prioritised for mangrove conservation and restoration.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	INCL
Faculty:	Previous Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Sciences > Sciences
Depositing User:	Ruth SWETNAM
Date Deposited:	17 Jan 2017 17:36
Last Modified:	24 Feb 2023 13:46
URI:	https://eprints.staffs.ac.uk/id/eprint/2955

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