Abstract or Keywords
This study estimated the total ecosystem carbon stock (TECS) and
sediment carbon sequestration rate through burial for fragmented
mangrove habitats of Kochi, south-west coast of India. The mean TECS of
Kochi mangroves was estimated at 335.33 +/- 184.47 t C ha -1, with above
ground biomass of 171.68 +/- 104.42 t C ha -1, below -ground biomass of
83.30 +/- 41.98 t C ha- 1, litterfall carbon as dead biomass of 7.12 +/-
2.81 t C ha- 1 and soil carbon stock of 73.22 +/- 39.40 t C ha -1. The
average historical soil carbon sequestration rate of Kochi mangroves was
also estimated as 2.95 t C ha- 1 yr- 1. The study revealed that there
was significant variability in TECS and sediment carbon burial rate
among riverine, estuarine and marine mangrove habitats and it appears
that, the biological factors especially mangrove plant structure,
species, age, litterfall production, crab density, mangrove conversion
to aquaculture ponds and other urban pressure played major roles in
driving the variability in carbon stocks and storage. While the sediment
particle size, bulk density and the environmental settings played a
sec-ondary role. Very low TECS and soil carbon sequestration rate was
found in aquaculture converted mangrove habitat. The CO2e of ecosystem
carbon stock (496311.20 t CO2 e) and soil CO2 burial (10.62 t CO2 e ha-
1 yr- 1 respectively) of mangroves of Kochi, revealed that even with
high urban pressure and anthropogenic activities which resulted in
fragmented distribution, they are still potent in long term carbon
sequestration unless it is not further disturbed. Therefore,
conservation and restoration of mangrove habitats based on understanding
of the regional controlling factors of carbon stock and carbon burial is
a need for scientific climate change mitigation efforts. The study will
also contribute to fill the gaps in global mangrove carbon stock
assessments for avoiding uncertainties.