A new study, published in Ecosystems Services, presents a first-of-its-kind economic valuation of the environmental services provided by seagrass meadows (sometimes called “blue carbon” habitats) and highlights their dual role in climate mitigation and supporting marine ecosystems.

The paper, titled “Valuation of blue carbon and ecological co‐benefits in temperate seagrass meadows in the Atlantic Virginia Coast Reserve,” was authored by University of Virginia graduate student researcher Kylor Kerns working with Environmental Institute director Karen McGlathery, and McIntire School of Commerce professor Mark White. They found that the combined value of carbon and nitrogen storage, fisheries support, and shoreline protection from seagrasses is approximately US $224 per hectare per year or $30.4 million over 30 years for the Virginia Coast Reserve. Even more, they found carbon and nitrogen in sediments safeguard the economic value against catastrophic loss, helping secure seagrass’ long-term economic and environmental value.

“Seagrass meadows may not be as visible as forests or coral reefs, but their impact is profound,” said Kerns. “By capturing carbon, supporting fisheries, and protecting coastlines, they deliver climate and ecological value far beyond their footprint. Our study puts real numbers to that value, showing why seagrass conservation and restoration should be a global priority.”

Seagrass meadows provide multiple ecosystem services: carbon storage, nitrogen storage, fisheries habitat, and erosion avoidance. This study underscores that these coastal habitats, though relatively small in area, punch above their weight in terms of climate and ecological services. The authors argue for inclusion of these ecosystem values in conservation, restoration, and policy frameworks to unlock nature-based solutions for climate change.

“Putting a clear social value on these services helps make the case for investing in and protecting seagrass habitats,” said McGlathery. “They belong in the conversation alongside terrestrial forests and wetlands.”

This study points out that marine and coastal ecosystems (specifically seagrass meadows) offer dual benefits: (1) capturing and storing atmospheric/gas-phase carbon (as so-called “blue carbon”) and (2) delivering a host of other ecological and socio-economic services such as supporting fisheries, protecting shorelines, and improving water quality. Recognizing and valuing these services can help redirect investment, policy, and restoration efforts to these undervalued ecosystems.

The authors note that while the valuation provides a useful benchmark, further work is needed to refine estimates across different regions, seagrass species, and conditions. Site-specific valuations, monitoring of restoration outcomes, and integration into real-world financing mechanisms will be key to translating this research into action.

Yet by putting a dollar figure on these services, the study offers a clear metric that decision-makers, conservationists, and financiers can use to show the potential of marine-based natural climate solutions.

The project was funded by a grant from the Good Shepard Foundation to the Environmental Institute.