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Seaweed

The other noteworthy ecosystem

is macroalgae, often referred to as

seaweed. Macroalgae occur in coastal

zones where there is enough light for

photosynthesis and a firm attachment

point from which they grow. They are an

integral part of many coastal ecosystems

and form one of the bases of food chains.

While macroalgae photosynthesize

and remove carbon dioxide from the

atmosphere, they do not deposit carbon

into sediments. Most excess carbon

is quickly consumed by marine life,

decomposed and recycled or exported

out of the system. The high turnover of

biomass means that carbon storage in

macroalgae is basically limited to the

carbon stored in their biomass, and

carbon is generally not sequestered

into longterm reservoirs (Reed and

Brzezinski, 2009).

Corals

Coral reefs, often associated with Blue

Carbon ecosystems such as seagrass

and mangroves, are some of the most

diverse ecosystems in the world,

harbouring an approximate 25% of

all marine fish species (Spalding

et al,

2001). Abu Dhabi hosts 34 species of

hard coral, providing services that sustain

livelihoods, enhance fish productivity,

protect shorelines from storms and

erosion, offer organisms of medicinal

value and provide employment through

recreational underwater activities. Coral

reefs are mostly found in nutrient-poor

waters with low sediments loads, a

quality to which Blue Carbon ecosystems

such as mangroves contribute.

The current scientific consensus is that

coral reefs are net carbon dioxide emitters

due to the calcification process that results

in their calcium carbonate skeletons

(Laffoley, D.d’A. & Grimsditch, G. 2009).

Corals have an essential role in Abu Dhabi’s coastal

environment, thriving in nutrient-poor waters.

Photo: © AGEDI / Emma Corbett

© AGEDI / Pat Megonigal

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