Wang et al. (2025): Restoration of native saltmarshes enhances carbon sequestration and mitigates warming effects following Spartina alterniflora removal
Dong Wang, Fabio A. Labra, Hualei Yang, Yuekai Hu, Zhiyuan Zhao, Wenzong Zhou, Lin Yuan, IN: Journal of Applied Ecology, https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2664.70096
The rapid expansion of exotic Spartina alterniflora has significantly threatened native coastal ecosystems‘ structure and function, prompting global control efforts. Consequently, native saltmarshes restoration has emerged as a nature-based solution following invasive species removal. However, given that S. alterniflora is a high-carbon invasive species, the impacts of native saltmarshes restoration on coastal blue carbon benefits following its removal remain uncertain. Here, the authors quantified atmospheric carbon uptake and organic carbon storage among restored native saltmarshes (Phragmites australis and Bolboschoenoplectus mariqueter communities), unrestored bare mudflat following S. alterniflora removal and uncontrolled S. alterniflora communities to assess whether native saltmarshes can compensate for the carbon sinks and the climate effects after invasive species eradication.