A new review from the Horizon Europe project POMP warns that polar oceans are being ignored in blue carbon protection efforts. Only 4.6% of the Southern Ocean is a no-take zone, and just 5.2% of Arctic seas have managed protection. The authors argue these habitats store significant carbon, but lack the data needed to enter formal carbon accounting frameworks. Kelp forests are expanding as ice retreats, and Greenland fjords show some of the highest carbon accumulation rates on record. The researchers say waiting for perfect data while shipping, fishing, and extraction expand could mean losing habitats before they are measured. They call for precautionary protection and more investment in polar blue carbon science.
