Global Seagrass Map Reveals Carbon Storage and Conservation Insights | carboncredit.io

Researchers have created the first high-resolution global map of seagrass ecosystems, revealing they store about 640 teragrams of carbon in upper sediment layers. That is roughly equal to annual emissions from 500 million cars. The map uses satellite imagery and AI to track seagrass distribution, showing nearly 70% of global seagrass is concentrated near the coasts of the US, Bahamas, Cuba, Australia, and Indonesia. The study, led by Arizona State University and published in Nature, also found seagrass is declining at about 1% per year due to coastal development, runoff, and climate events. Some regions show recovery, suggesting targeted conservation can work. Seagrass also filters water, supports fisheries, and buffers storm waves. The map is now integrated into the Allen Coral Atlas platform, making it easier for policymakers to prioritize protection and restoration efforts.