UN Ocean Decade - Shetland’s Sublittoral Blue Carbon Habitats

Press/Media: Research

Description

UN Ocean Decade website coverage of sublittoral blue carbon in Shetland project which was funded by the UHI Net Zero KE Hub.

Period19 Dec 2025

Media contributions

2

Media contributions

  • TitleWebpage - Shetland’s Sublittoral Blue Carbon Habitats
    Degree of recognitionInternational
    Media name/outletUN Ocean Decade
    Media typeWeb
    Country/TerritoryUnited Kingdom
    Date19/12/25
    DescriptionThis project aims to assess the extent, distribution, and carbon storage potential of Shetland’s sublittoral blue carbon habitats, including seagrass, macroalgae, biogenic reefs, and benthic sediments, providing an initial baseline.
    The work involves reviewing existing spatial data, modelling potential habitat distributions, and estimating blue carbon stocks and sequestration rates. Findings will be presented in an initial technical report to inform regional marine planning.
    The results will also form the basis of a peer-reviewed publication. By combining observed and modelled data, the project provides a baseline understanding of these critical marine carbon habitats, supporting regional climate action and marine planning in line with the goals of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development.
    URLhttps://oceandecade.org/events/shetlands-sublittoral-blue-carbon-habitats/
    PersonsTanya Riley, Rachel Shucksmith
  • TitlePublication - Exploring Sublittoral Blue Carbon Habitat Suitability and Potential in the Shetland Islands
    Degree of recognitionInternational
    Media name/outletUN Ocean Decade
    Media typeWeb
    Country/TerritoryUnited Kingdom
    Date19/12/25
    DescriptionThis report, produced by University of the Highlands and Islands – Shetland (UHI Shetlands) and endorsed as an Ocean Decade Activity, presents the first assessment of sublittoral blue carbon habitats within the Shetland Islands 12 nm limit, evaluating their spatial extent, ecological characteristics, and potential contribution to carbon sequestration and long-term storage.
    URLhttps://oceandecade.org/publications/exploring-sublittoral-blue-carbon-habitat-suitability-and-potential-in-the-shetland-islands/
    PersonsTanya Riley, Rachel Shucksmith

Keywords

  • blue carbon