GeelongPort staff joined our BCL scientists in the field to sample carbon stocks from healthy and degraded saltmarsh communities in Corio Bay.

The citizen science day started with a series of educational talks where participants learned about coastal wetlands, blue carbon, and the role of nature-based solutions climate change mitigation.

Citizen Scientists from the GeelongPort #BlueCarbonArmy then headed out to Limeburners Lagoon State Nature Reserve to sample the healthy saltmarsh communities. BCL scientists provided information about the site, taught participants how to identify saltmarsh plants, and demonstrated field techniques. The enthusiastic group was split into several teams; each team then enjoyed collecting soil cores and surveying vegetation together for the rest of the morning.

After a well-deserved lunch break, the GeelongPort #BlueCarbonArmy travelled to a degraded saltmarsh community along Shell Parade in Corio Bay. Participants used the same field techniques to sample the plant and soil carbon pools. The two field sites had striking differences in the condition of the saltmarsh vegetation and the presence of weeds.

Through this immersive experience, GeelongPort employees and partners contributed on-ground to blue carbon science aiming to inform the carbon losses from saltmarsh degradation in Victoria.