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Data from: Blue carbon benefits from global saltmarsh restoration

Cite this dataset

Mason, Victoria et al. (2023). Data from: Blue carbon benefits from global saltmarsh restoration [Dataset]. Dryad. https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.pc866t1vp

Abstract

Coastal saltmarshes are found globally, yet are 25–50% reduced compared to their historical cover. Restoration is incentivised by the promise that marshes are efficient storers of ‘blue’ carbon, although the claim lacks substantiation across global contexts. We synthesised data from 431 studies to quantify the benefits of saltmarsh restoration to carbon accumulation and greenhouse gas uptake. The results showed global marshes store approximately 1.41–2.44 Pg carbon. Restored marshes had very low greenhouse gas (GHG) fluxes and rapid carbon accumulation, resulting in a mean net accumulation rate of 64.70 t CO2e ha-1 y-1. Using this estimate and potential restoration rates, we find saltmarsh regeneration could result in 12.93–207.03 Mt CO2e accumulation per year, offsetting the equivalent of up to 0.51% global-energy-related CO2 emissions – a substantial amount, considering marshes represent <1% of Earth’s surface. Carbon accumulation rates and GHG fluxes varied contextually with temperature, rainfall and dominant vegetation, with the eastern costs of the USA and Australia being particular hotspots for carbon storage. Whilst the study reveals paucity of data for some variables and continents, suggesting a need for further research, the potential for saltmarsh restoration to offset carbon emissions is clear. The ability to facilitate natural carbon accumulation by saltmarshes now rests principally on the action of the management-policy community and on financial opportunities for supporting restoration.

README: Data from: Blue Carbon Benefits from Global Saltmarsh Restoration

https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.pc866t1vp

This README file was generated on 12th September 2023 by Victoria Mason.

Title of Dataset:
Blue carbon benefits from global saltmarsh restoration.

Author information:

  • Victoria G. Mason, Bangor University/Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ), victoria.mason@nioz.nl (Corresponding author)
  • Annette Burden, UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology
  • Graham Epstein, University of Exeter/University of Victoria
  • Lucy L. Jupe, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust
  • Kevin A. Wood, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust
  • Martin W. Skov, Bangor University

Summary of dataset:
These data include all data which were extracted or derived from relevant studies on global saltmarsh carbon storage and greenhouse gas flux. Data were obtained following screening of 29,182 peer reviewed published studies for relevant data, which were then extracted from 431 studies via text, tables and figures. We then used a meta-analysis to assess drivers of variation in global saltmarsh and greenhouse gas flux.

  • Date of literature search: 21st January 2022.
  • Date of data extraction: February - March 2022
  • Literature search conducted via: Scopus + Web of Science

Description of the data and file structure

The contents of these data include:

  • Full dataset (Aug2023_GlobalCarbonReview_FullDataset.xls): All data extracted from 431 relevant studies and used in analysis. This includes a title page, metadata (with descriptions of column headers) and the full dataset. Response variables included:

  • Carbon stock

  • Percentage organic carbon

  • Bulk density

  • Sediment accretion rate

  • Carbon accumulation rate

  • Carbon dioxide flux

  • Methane flux

  • Nitrous oxide flux

- Data on each included study (Aug2023_GlobalCarbonReview_IncludedStudies.xls): List of each study included in the final analysis, and its metadata. This includes a title page, metadata (with descriptions of column headers) and the dataset.

All data include standard deviation (SD) and n (number of replicates) where provided by the original study, which were used to calculate Hedge's g effect sizes reported in the subsequent study.

Frequently used abbreviations:
C carbon
OC organic carbon
GHG greenhouse gas
bd bulk density (g cm-3 dry sediment)
Y/N yes/no
ref reference
lat latitude
long longitude
rest restoration
prec precipitation
sal salinity
acc accretion
resp respiration
SR soil respiration (appears for CO2 flux)
ER ecosystem respiration (appears for CO2 flux)
n number of samples included in mean/standard deviation
sd standard deviation

All abbreviations used are outlined in the ‘Metadata’ worksheet of .xls files.

Data specific information for Aug2023_GlobalCarbonReview_FullDataset.xls:

Number of variables: 88
Number of cases/rows: 2055
Variables included: See 'Metadata' sheet

Data specific information for Aug2023_GlobalCarbonReview_IncludedStudies.xls:

Number of variables: 47
Number of cases/rows: 431
Variables included: See 'Metadata' sheet

Empty cells:
Cells are empty where data on that variable were not provided by the original study from which they were extracted. For example, where a study provided data on carbon stock variables, but not greenhouse gas flux.

For further details, see the 'Metadata' sheets of each file.

Sharing/Access information

These data are available via Dryad, and described in ‘Blue Carbon Benefits from Global Saltmarsh Restoration’, in Global Change Biology. DOI: 10.1111/gcb.16943

Data were extracted from 431 published peer reviewed articles, the details of which can be found in the attached datasheets.

Funding

Natural Environment Investment Readiness Fund, Award: NEIRF1072, UK Saltmarsh Carbon Code

Blue Marine Foundation

Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust