Blue carbon storage & environmental influences in mangroves, Puerto Rico

Mangrove ecosystems play a crucial role in global carbon sequestration,
with carbon storage capacity influenced by site-specific environmental and
climatic factors. This study examined carbon storage in two mangrove
systems in Puerto Rico—La Parguera and Laguna Grande—and assessed the
relative influence of hydrology, sediment deposition, and climate factors
on carbon accumulation. Laguna Grande had significantly (p < 0.10)
higher carbon storage (166 ± 66 Mg C ha⁻¹ (σ)) than La Parguera (115 ± 68
Mg C ha⁻¹ (σ)). Hydrological processes, including tidal exchange and water
residence time, are likely key regulators of organic matter retention and
decomposition. La Parguera’s stronger tidal flushing may facilitate
organic matter export, while Laguna Grande’s restricted tidal exchange and
higher primary production (as evidenced by higher standing biomass) may
promote accumulation. Although climatic differences between the study
areas—higher temperatures and precipitation in San Juan (Laguna Grande)
versus lower precipitation in Lajas (La Parguera)—could influence
productivity, decomposition rates, and organic matter inputs, hydrology
and sedimentation appear to be primary drivers of carbon sequestration in
these systems. These findings underscore the importance of integrating
hydrological processes into blue carbon assessments and highlight the need
to consider both geomorphological and climate-driven factors in mangrove
conservation strategies. As climate change intensifies, understanding how
tidal dynamics, sediment deposition, and precipitation shifts interact
will be essential for predicting ecosystem responses and developing
effective mitigation efforts.