Author(s): Steven G. Sandi; Masaya Yoshikai; Siegmund Nuyts; Wendy Timms; Peter Macreadie; Stacey Travathan-Tackett
Linked Author(s): Steven Sandi
Keywords: Vicennia marina mangrove numerical modelling aboveground biomass
Abstract: Mangrove forests are recognised worldwide for their high efficiency in capturing carbon as well as providing several other ecosystem services like flood protection and habitat provision. As such, strong efforts and policies for the conservation and rehabilitation of these “blue carbon” systems have been put in place in many countries in response to the vulnerabilities and threats mangroves have. Impacts from anthropogenic and climate change are recognised to influence the survival of these systems in the long term. In addition, the capacity of mangroves to sequester carbon in soils is directly linked to growth and biomass production, therefore, loss of vegetation will impede the capacity of these systems to continue accumulating carbon in the soils. Predicting the vegetation dynamics and growth after wetland rehabilitation is a complex task due to the diverse number of variables controlling the mangrove growth and establishment. Eco-geomorphic modelling tools have been previously used to assess the vulnerability of mangrove systems under sea-level rise conditions, but quantification of carbon accumulation still has limitations in the way that vegetation is represented in the models. In this contribution, we present an initial parameterisation and simulations using a numerical model (SEIB Mangrove) for Avicennia marina. The model is capable of simulating the evolution of a mangrove forest over time and quantifying the aboveground biomass production annually. It is expected that the integration of this modelling tool within an eco-geomorphic framework will provide a valuable tool for assessing the outcomes of rehabilitation and conservation projects.
Year: 2025