The Isle of Man has been placed at the forefront of blue carbon research in the British Isles following a new report from the Manx Blue Carbon Research Project.
The four‑year programme, led by DEFA with UK research partners, mapped key marine habitats across Manx waters and found they store an estimated 500,000 tonnes of carbon, equivalent to 1.8 million tonnes of CO₂.
The work has also supported sustainable fisheries, tourism and education, strengthening the island’s blue‑economy ambitions.
Blue Carbon Research
Scientists studied offshore mud habitats, seagrass meadows and saltmarsh, while also examining how fishing activity affects carbon‑rich seabeds.
The findings are supported by two newly published research papers.
Environment Minister Clare Barber MHK said the evidence would help protect marine ecosystems while supporting sustainable economic opportunities.
Project Lead Rowan Henthorn said the research had transformed understanding of how Manx seas store carbon and would guide long‑term decision‑making.
DEFA has also released a Blue Carbon Action Plan for 2026–2030, setting out next steps to safeguard carbon stores and embed blue‑carbon science into wider climate and marine policy.
