Plymouth Marine Laboratory Joins International Partnership for Blue Carbon 

Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML) has been welcomed as the newest member of the International Partnership for Blue Carbon (IPBC), joining a global network of over 60 organizations committed to the conservation of coastal ecosystems.

An open forum for government agencies, NGOs, intergovernmental organizations, and research institutions, the IPBC works to protect and restore vital blue carbon ecosystems such as mangroves, tidal marshes, and seagrasses that contribute to climate change mitigation, biodiversity preservation, and support for coastal communities worldwide.

PML brings significant expertise in blue carbon research, having established itself as a leading institution in understanding the role of macroalgae in global blue carbon and developing knowledge that informs conservation and restoration efforts of these critical habitats. PML scientists are involved in a broad range of blue carbon-related research areas – from developing detailed understanding of biogeochemistry through to biodiversity implications and scenario modelling, as well as valuing changes in carbon budgets and societal implications.

“We’re excited to join this multidisciplinary network and contribute to the global effort to protect and sustainably manage coastal blue carbon ecosystems,” said PML’s Dr Olivia Rendón, a Senior Environmental Economist who specialises in the valuation of ecosystem services and researches blue carbon finance.

“This partnership offers valuable opportunities to exchange information, build collaborative relationships, and influence international blue carbon policy.”

PML’s current blue carbon research includes:

• Investigating carbon flows between different ocean carbon pools
• Valuing changes in carbon budgets and their societal implications
• Evaluating the feasibility of blue carbon initiatives
• Assessing finance mechanisms for different blue carbon schemes.

Its key blue carbon initiatives include the “Sea the Value” project (2022-25) examining carbon valuation and natural capital accounting, the FOCUS project (2022-26) researching co-benefits from blue carbon ecosystems, and C-BLUES (2024-27) advancing knowledge on investment and trading systems for blue carbon. PML’s experts regularly present on blue carbon at international conferences and contribute to science-policy discussions, including consultations with the UK House of Lords.

As an IPBC partner, PML will be supporting the IPBC’s mission to increase international commitments to protect coastal blue carbon ecosystems, improve relevant national policies, and accelerate on-the-ground implementation of protection and restoration activities.

PML has also committed to actively supporting the partnership’s activities through hosting workshops, participating in policy and technical discussion groups, and contributing expertise to communication and guidance products.