The potential of macroalgae in Greenland’s fjords – missing links in blue carbon analysis
Researcher: Narissa Bax, postdoc, Greenland Climate research Center, Greenland Institute of Natural Resources
In collaboration with: Nadescha Zwerschke, BlueCea Principle Investigator, Greenland Climate Research Centre, Greenland Institute of Natural Resources; Pilo Samuelsen, Head of Secretariat, SiuTsiu Tasilaq
Research area, purpose, and research question:
Around 10 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) enters the ocean each year, accounting for roughly 30% of anthropogenic CO2 emissions. This shows the significant capacity of nature to efficiently store and sequester CO2 in marine ecosystems (termed Blue Carbon). Primary producers account for most of this uptake, with key groups such as phytoplankton, marine macrophytes and macroalgae all actively capturing CO2 through the process of photosynthesis. kelp and seaweed (macroalgae) are considered the most productive photosynthetic carbon storage ecosystems globally, but, it is unclear how much macroalgal carbon moves from the storage stage (short-term and coastal) to sequestration (long-term and offshore).
Greenland might not have large trees due to its icy landscape, but it is home to lush coastal marine forests of macroalgae. Greenland is also a hotspot of climate change, and a potential hotspot for blue carbon. However, specific knowledge gaps have never been addressed comprehensively. Such as quantifying the current macroalgal carbon standing stock, estimating the sequestration potential of macroalgal carbon captured within fjord ecosystems by transport outside of fiords to deeper depths (e.g. via deep water canyons), and in shallower areas of soft sediment (e.g. inside fjords), and determining what proportion of algal biomass is taken ashore (e.g., beached). Specifically, macroalgal export onto land remains one of the least quantified aspects of the blue carbon potential of macroalgae. For example, when macroalgae is washed up on shore it can:
1) build up ashore and decompose there releasing CO2 back into the atmosphere,
2) be buried on land in dynamic sandy beaches, muddy environments, or saltmarshes or
3) be washed back into the sea during storm events, with
4) potential to again be washed ashore or transported offshore eventually.
Methods for capacity building in Greenland:
The BlueCea project is conducting research in South East Greenland to understand the response of Arctic blue carbon ecosystems to climate change. Greenland’s Blue Carbon habitats are becoming particularly important as they are growing owing to ice-loss and are able to take up more CO2. A clearer understanding of the role of these habitats in mitigating climate change could help to integrate this knowledge within local communities and further their understanding of the value of these habitats. The rapid and accelerating changes to the cryosphere that can be observed in Greenland are already fundamentally altering the regular way of life for many communities. For example, sea-ice routes may not be available in the near future, and important food sources may shift their distributions or disappear altogether, but change can also offer new opportunities for local economies. It is critical that these opportunities are understood in the communities directly affected by them; thus, this grant application is being submitted in collaboration with the SiuTsiu to support a young person from the Tasilaq area to participate in fieldwork in the Sermilik and Ammassalik fjords, a current hotspot of scientific activity. This will introduce the concept of scientific surveys, promote knowledge exchange between local and scientific communities, and deepen the understanding of the value and importance of these local habitats. The young person will also have the opportunity to participate in a research experience program at the Greenland Institute of Natural Resources in Nuuk. Here they will, help with the analysis of the collected samples and be introduced to different research carried out across Greenland as well as potential career options within the scientific sector. This will be the initiation of a partnership between GINR and SiuTsiu which, we hope, will last beyond the extent of this project.
Dissemination plan:
The BlueCea project is designed to ensure that the findings and knowledge generated by the project reach both the scientific community and the Greenlandic public. BlueCea and SuiTsui have established dedicated social media platforms, including: twitter, instagram and facebook with information on the project available on the Greenland Climate Research Centre web page. Media outputs will be shared with the local community in Tiniteqilaaq (the base for field work operations) and surrounding area (e.g., Tasilaq via SiuTsiu as they become available). Findings will also be presented at specific events such as Greenland Science week, the Arctic Circle Forum, and institutional open days, school visits etc., and translated into Greenlandic where possible. Findings on specific carbon sinks and the importance of macroalgal carbon habitats will also be fed back to the Government of Greenland. All significant findings from the project will be published in open access journals and presented via international and local conferences, ensuring that research is readily available to scientists, policymakers, and the general public without barriers.
Granted: DKK 100.000
