Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Derrick Joannes Omollo, Virginia Wangeci Wang'ondu, Michael Njoroge Githaiga, Daniel Gorman, James Gitundu Kairo
Summary: Seagrass beds are important ecosystems that provide multiple benefits, including supporting fisheries, attenuating wave energies, and sequestering CO2. However, compared to other blue carbon ecosystems, seagrass beds are less understood in terms of their contribution to carbon dynamics, especially in regions with limited attention and resources. This study provides the first assessment of species composition and carbon storage capacity in subtidal seagrass meadows, highlighting their significant contribution to global carbon dynamics.
Article
Environmental Sciences
H. Kennedy, J. F. Pages, D. Lagomasino, A. Arias-Ortiz, P. Colarusso, J. W. Fourqurean, M. N. Githaiga, J. L. Howard, D. Krause-Jensen, T. Kuwae, P. S. Lavery, P. Macreadie, N. Marba, P. Masque, I Mazarrasa, T. Miyajima, O. Serrano, C. M. Duarte
Summary: This study examined the drivers of organic carbon stocks in seagrass meadows globally. The species identity was found to be an important factor influencing soil organic carbon stocks, with key species traits including leaf number, belowground biomass, leaf lifespan, and aboveground biomass. The revised estimate of the global average soil organic carbon stock to a depth of 20 cm is 15.4 Mg C ha(-1), and the largest stocks were recorded in Mediterranean seagrass meadows.
GLOBAL BIOGEOCHEMICAL CYCLES
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Michele Leduc, Arnaud Abadie, Christophe Viala, Alban Bouchard, Laura Iborra, Quentin Fontaine, Gilles Lepoint, Michel Marengo, Gerard Pergent, Sylvie Gobert, Pierre Lejeune, Briac Monnier
Summary: Posidonia oceanica in Mediterranean develops a complex belowground structure capable of storing large amounts of carbon over thousands of years. Mapping techniques and sediment sampling were used to assess the size and variability of carbon stocks. This study quantifies the organic and inorganic carbon stocks in the P. oceanica matte of Calvi Bay using sub-bottom profiler imagery and sediment core analysis. The data revealed the heterogeneity of blue carbon stocks in seagrass meadows and discussed the variability of carbon storage capacity influenced by substrate.
MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
T. S. Prystay, R. E. Sipler, M. B. Foroutani, A. Le Bris
Summary: Coastal ecosystems act as a filter between land and the open sea by removing nutrients from the water, with seagrasses playing an important role in this process. This study examines the role of eelgrass meadows in the coastal filter in Newfoundland, Canada, and identifies the environmental factors that influence nutrient retention. The study finds that sediment bulk density is negatively correlated with nutrient retention, and that marine sources are the main contributors to carbon in eelgrass meadow sediments.
JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-BIOGEOSCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Mariana do Amaral Camara Lima, Raymond D. Ward, Chris B. Joyce, Karin Kauer, Kalev Sepp
Summary: This study analyzes the carbon stock in the Isle of Wight, Solent, and adjacent harbours in southern England, including organic carbon in sediment and plants. The results contribute to global blue carbon research by providing the first direct assessment of sediment carbon stocks in intertidal seagrass meadows in the Solent region. The study also compares sediment organic carbon and organic matter content within seagrass meadows and adjacent mudflats, and suggests that organic matter content can be confidently used as a proxy for sediment organic carbon values in intertidal seagrass meadows. These findings support the inclusion of the region's seagrass meadows in conservation and restoration projects to conserve carbon stored in their soils and enhance their future carbon uptake potential.
ESTUARINE COASTAL AND SHELF SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Shalini Singh, Monal M. Lal, Paul C. Southgate, Morgan Wairiu, Awnesh Singh
Summary: This study assessed the variability in carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus storage in three monospecific seagrass meadows in the Pacific region, providing valuable baseline data. The results highlight the importance of seagrass meadows in carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus storage.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sina Schorn, Soeren Ahmerkamp, Emma Bullock, Miriam Weber, Christian Lott, Manuel Liebeke, Gaute Lavik, Marcel M. M. Kuypers, Jon S. Graf, Jana Milucka
Summary: Marine coastlines colonized by seagrasses are a significant net source of methane emissions, primarily driven by methylated compounds produced by the plants. Methane production continues even after the plants die off, likely due to the presence of methylated compounds in detached plant leaves and rhizomes. The study also identified gene sequences associated with key methane-producing enzymes in the seagrass sediments, suggesting their involvement in methane metabolism.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Christine Pergent-Martini, Gerard Pergent, Briac Monnier, Charles-Francois Boudouresque, Christophe Mori, Audrey Valette-Sansevin
Summary: Coastal marine vegetation, particularly the Mediterranean endemic species Posidonia oceanica, demonstrates high efficiency in carbon fixation and storage, making it a significant carbon sink in the efforts to mitigate climate change.
MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Elisha Mrabu Jenoh, Mohamed Traore, Charles Kosore, Nico Koedam
Summary: Infestation by a moth woodborer species can cause mortality and changes in lignocellulosic contents in Sonneratia alba mangroves. FTIR analysis was used to investigate macromolecule differences in branches that died, recovered, and were not infested. Results showed a decrease in polysaccharide content and increase in lignin content in infested branches.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Marie Cindy Lebrasse, Blake A. Schaeffer, Richard C. Zimmerman, Victoria J. Hill, Megan M. Coffer, Peter J. Whitman, Wilson B. Salls, David D. Graybill, Christopher L. Osburn
Summary: Seagrass meadows are globally degraded and declining due to human pressures and climate change. This study used the bio-optical model GrassLight to explore the impact of climate change and anthropogenic stressors on seagrass extent and characteristics in St. Joseph Bay, Florida. The research highlights the importance of considering multiple limiting factors in understanding the effects of environmental change on seagrass ecosystems.
MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Marta Roman, Carmen B. de los Santos, Salvador Roman, Rui Santos, Jesus S. Troncoso, Elsa Vazquez, Celia Olabarria
Summary: Clam harvesting has a negative impact on seagrass carbon stocks in surface sediments, especially in intensively harvested areas. However, the coverage of seagrass beds contributes to the rapid recovery of organic carbon in sediments.
MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Hugo Duarte Moreno, Hauke Reuter, Alfred Kase, Mirta Teichberg
Summary: The international demand for macroalgae products has led to the expansion of seaweed farming worldwide. This study found short term ecological impacts of seaweed farming on seagrass meadows and the influence of nutrient inputs via groundwater on seaweed productivity. During the rainy season, nutrient-enriched water entering the system caused eutrophication in Nemberala bay seawater.
ESTUARINE COASTAL AND SHELF SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Shidong Yue, Xiaomei Zhang, Shaochun Xu, Mingjie Liu, Yongliang Qiao, Yu Zhang, Junhua Liang, Andong Wang, Yi Zhou
Summary: Seagrass meadows are vital ecosystems that are under severe threat due to increasing extreme climate events. The study focused on the impact of super typhoon Lekima on Zostera japonica in the Yellow River Delta, resulting in a significant decrease in distribution area and loss of soil organic carbon and nitrogen. Despite suitable environmental conditions, recovery of the seagrass meadows is deemed impossible without restoration efforts. Long-term monitoring is essential for providing new insights and future protection of these ecosystems.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Carolyn J. Ewers Lewis, Karen J. Mcglathery
Summary: Sediment dynamics in seagrass meadows play a crucial role in carbon storage, surface elevation, and resilience. However, current methods for measuring sediment accumulation are limited. Researchers have developed a novel subsurface sediment plate method that can detect changes in sediment accumulation and erosion in real time, with advantages of affordability, simplicity, and applicability to both short-term and long-term dynamics.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Sophia C. Johannessen
Summary: Blue carbon sequestration in seagrass meadows is proposed as a nature-based solution to offset carbon emissions and mitigate climate change. Various factors, such as seagrass species, meadow connectivity, sediment bioturbation, and calcium carbonate formation, influence the net burial of carbon. The main threats are sea-level rise and temperature increase. Regional differences in seagrass and habitat contribute to disagreements in methodology and understanding of organic carbon burial.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Michael J. O. Pocock, Helen E. Roy, Tom August, Anthony Kuria, Fred Barasa, John Bett, Mwangi Githiru, James Kairo, Julius Kimani, Wanja Kinuthia, Bernard Kissui, Ireene Madindou, Kamau Mbogo, Judith Mirembe, Paul Mugo, Faith Milkah Muniale, Peter Njoroge, Edwin Gichohi Njuguna, Mike Izava Olendo, Michael Opige, Tobias O. Otieno, Caroline Chebet Ng'weno, Elisha Pallangyo, Thuita Thenya, Ann Wanjiru, Rosie Trevelyan
JOURNAL OF APPLIED ECOLOGY
(2019)
Article
Forestry
Judith Auma Okello, James Gitundu Kairo, Farid Dahdouh-Guebas, Hans Beeckman, Nico Koedam
TREES-STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION
(2020)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Matt Fortnam, Molly Atkins, Katrina Brown, Tomas Chaigneau, Ankje Frouws, Kemyline Gwaro, Mark Huxham, James Kairo, Amon Kimeli, Bernard Kirui, Katy Sheen
Summary: The study used innovative methods to analyze the impacts of the 2015-2016 El Nino episode in southern coastal Kenya, revealing overlooked effects. It is not enough to develop national capacities to deal with El Nino events; local vulnerabilities must also be addressed to enhance resilience to climate and weather extremes.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Amina Juma Hamza, Luciana S. Esteves, Mann Cvitanovic, James Kairo
JOURNAL OF COASTAL RESEARCH
(2020)
Article
Ecology
Ludwig Triest, Tom Van der Stocken, Abbie Allela Akinyi, Tim Sierens, James Kairo, Nico Koedam
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2020)
Article
Forestry
Anthony Mbatha, Michael N. Githaiga, Kotut Kiplagat, James Kairo, Fredrick Mungai
Summary: This study assessed the structure and regeneration of mangroves in five mangrove management blocks in Lamu, Kenya, and found that Rhizophora mucronata and Ceriops tagal are the dominant species in Lamu. The observed natural regeneration rate is considered sufficient to support forest recovery.
JOURNAL OF SUSTAINABLE FORESTRY
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Amina Juma Hamza, Luciana S. Esteves, Marin Cvitanovic, James G. Kairo
Summary: This study aimed to understand the influence of sociodemographic factors on resource use and perceptions of environmental changes regarding mangroves. The survey of 592 households in five locations in Lamu County, Kenya, revealed variations in mangrove use, ecosystem service recognition, and perceptions of change, influenced by factors such as gender, education, and occupation. The findings highlight the need to tailor awareness campaigns and capacity-building efforts to address specific needs and challenges faced by different groups. The recommendations are widely applicable to promote inclusive and sustainable community engagement in natural resource management in developing countries.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND WORLD ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Caroline Wanjiru, Ivan Nagelkerken, Sonja Rueckert, William Harcourt, Mark Huxham
Summary: Mangroves support diverse fish and crustacean communities, but their abundance and diversity vary spatially and temporally. The characteristics of mangrove forests and the seascape context play important roles in shaping the animal communities. Forest complexity and seagrass metrics were strong predictors of site differences, but their influences on fish and crustaceans were opposite. Zoning for management should consider the different habitat preferences of fish and crustaceans to maximize their benefits.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Education & Educational Research
Chitra Jayathilake, Mark Huxham
Summary: Peer assisted learning, defined as networks of learning relationships among students and significant others, takes various forms in higher education. A study of Kuppi in Sri Lanka showed strong support for this student-initiated and organized model, characterized by informality, flexibility, and student autonomy. The theory of communicative rationality helped explain the appeal of this form of peer assisted learning, highlighting the importance of student autonomy and a sense of community in the learning process.
ACTIVE LEARNING IN HIGHER EDUCATION
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Fiona Nunan, Marlyn A. Omondi, Aziza Y. Nchimbi, Mwita M. Mangora, James G. Kairo, Mwanahija S. Shalli, Narriman S. Jiddawi
CONSERVATION & SOCIETY
(2020)
Article
Area Studies
Fredrick Mungai, James Kairo, John Mironga, Bernard Kirui, Mwita Mangora, Nico Koedam
JOURNAL OF THE INDIAN OCEAN REGION
(2019)
Article
Area Studies
Peter Musembi, Bernerd Fulanda, James Kairo, Michael Githaiga
JOURNAL OF THE INDIAN OCEAN REGION
(2019)
Article
Education & Educational Research
Fiona Smart, Mandy Asghar, Laurie-Ann Campbell, Mark Huxham
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR ACADEMIC DEVELOPMENT
(2019)
Article
Ecology
Michael N. Githaiga, Anna M. Frouws, James G. Kairo, Mark Huxham
FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2019)
