Groundbreaking research led by the University of St Andrews has helped shape Scotland’s first-ever Blue Carbon Action Plan (BCAP), launched on 10 September by Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Energy, Gillian Martin MSP.

The plan sets out how Scotland will support its blue carbon habitats – saltmarsh, seagrass, seabed sediments, and kelp/seaweeds – which naturally capture and store carbon, in some cases for thousands of years. These habitats not only play a vital role in climate change mitigation, but also provide coastal protection, flood resilience, biodiversity support, and nursery grounds for fisheries.

Climate Action Secretary Gillian Martin said: “Blue carbon has a crucial role to play in protecting seas and coastal habitats and in tackling climate change, here and all around the world. I’m pleased that Scotland is at the forefront of international research on Blue Carbon and to be launching Scotland’s first Blue Carbon Action Plan today, at the University of St Andrews.

“This plan details our continued commitment to understand these important habitats and their potential contribution to climate change, and highlights the projects underway that will help achieve that. I would like to thank the Scottish Blue Carbon Forum for their work.”

The Action Plan was supported by the work of the Scottish Blue Carbon Forum (SBCF), chaired by Professor William (Bill) Austin of the University of St Andrews, who has been at the forefront of advancing the evidence base for blue carbon in Scotland and globally.

Bill said: “Scotland’s blue carbon ecosystems are among our greatest natural assets in the fight against climate change. This Action Plan reflects years of collaborative work, bringing together science, policy, and stakeholders to ensure these habitats are protected and restored for future generations. I am proud that the University of St Andrews has played such a central role in shaping national policy on climate and marine conservation.”

The Blue Carbon Action Plan fulfils Scottish Government commitments under the Scottish National Adaptation Plan 3 (SNAP3) and the Blue Economy Vision for Scotland. It contributes directly to the nation’s wider strategic goals of achieving Net Zero by 2045, becoming nature positive by 2030, and restoring biodiversity by 2045.

The Plan sets out actions the Scottish Government will take over the next three years to fill evidence gaps to enable inclusion of blue carbon in the UK’s greenhouse gas inventory, to strengthen collaboration through the UK Blue Carbon Evidence Partnership (UKBCEP) and international networks, and how blue carbon is being given due consideration in upcoming marine policies.

While Scotland’s blue carbon habitats are not yet formally included in the UK’s greenhouse gas accounting, their collective importance as natural carbon stores is recognised as a low-risk, cost-effective climate solution.

The University of St Andrews’ leadership in this area demonstrates the power of academic research to shape national and international climate policy, positioning the institution at the forefront of marine science, climate action, and biodiversity restoration.