The oceanic blue carbon audit is spearheaded by AGEDI in partnership with GRID-Arendal, and actively involves marine mammal experts and recognized academics from the region.

This project is being undertaken in collaboration with GRID-Arendal.

Oceanic blue carbon refers to the natural ways that marine vertebrates can trap carbon. Protecting and enhancing oceanic blue carbon stores can lead to conservation and climate change mitigation benefits. Biomass carbon is one oceanic blue carbon pathway whereby carbon is stored in the bodies of marine vertebrates. The larger and more long-lived an animal is, the more carbon is stored. The goal of this study was to assess, quantify, and evaluate the UAE’s marine vertebrate biomass carbon stores.


The UAE Oceanic Blue Carbon Audit aims to provide an assessment of oceanic blue carbon ecosystem services in the UAE by focusing on marine vertebrates. The Project will utilize existing datasets and methodologies to evaluate oceanic blue carbon values by quantifying the capacity for fish, cetaceans, dugongs, sea turtles, and seabirds inhabiting UAE’s marine environment to store carbon. The Project findings will allow relevant policy and management entities in the UAE to evaluate options for the potential implementation of oceanic blue carbon policies at the local and national level.

Click here to download the final Carbon Audit and final Policy Assessment Survey Findings

Ocean Carbon Audit (18002 downloads )
Policy Oceanic Audit (17891 downloads )