Coastal Wetlands and Salt Marshes

Science for the Public: Contemporary Science Issues and Innovations
January 17, 2022 Belmont Media Center, Belmont MA

Robinson W. Fulweiler, Ph.D., Professor of Earth, Environment and Biology, Boston University

Coastal wetlands and salt marshes are major ecosystems.They absorb and store large amounts of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2), which, combined with CO2 absorbed in ocean ecosystems, is called “blue carbon." These ecosystems are especially important in this era of climate change, but there is still much to learn about the absorption systems. Dr. Fulweiler discusses how she and her colleagues are working to measure this process. The Fulweiler team is also developing a citizen-science participation project.

NOTE: Dr. Fulweiler meant to say sea level in MA has risen about 8 inches since the 1950s.

article on Dr. Fulweiler's citizen scientists project:
Empowering Citizen Scientists to Study and Protect Coastal Wetlands