Carbon and nitrogen stocks in sediment at Península Valdés Biosphere Reserve: novel insights into the potential contribution of large marine vertebrates to carbon sequestration

Research at Península Valdés Biosphere Reserve reveals that large marine vertebrates, such as South American sea lions and southern right whales, contribute to coastal carbon sequestration through their organic carbon (OC) stocks. Sediment analysis across three locations showed OC storage ranging from 140 to 317 Mg ha-1, with a notable proportion (0.8–6.8% dry weight) of OC originating from these vertebrates. While salt marshes and terrestrial plants were the primary carbon sources, this study provides novel evidence that large marine vertebrates act as significant OC vectors in coastal systems, offering new insights into their role in blue carbon dynamics.

Jiménez-Ramos, R., Egea, L. G., D’Agostino, V. C., Degrati, M., & Loizaga, R. (2025). Carbon and nitrogen stocks in sediment at Península Valdés Biosphere Reserve: novel insights into the potential contribution of large marine vertebrates to carbon sequestration. Frontiers in Marine Science, 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2025.1500594