Estimation of aboveground biomass and carbon storage in mangroves along the coast of Banda Aceh City

Marine Sciences Department, Faculty of Marine and Fisheries Universitas Syiah Kuala Banda Aceh 23111, Indonesia

^* Corresponding author: harumfarahisah@usk.ac.id

Abstract

One of the ecosystem services provided by mangroves is carbon absorption and storage, known as blue carbon. The coastal area of Banda Aceh has significant potential for mangrove forests as carbon stocks. This study aimed to estimate the carbon storage in mangrove vegetation along the Banda Aceh coast. The objectives were to calculate the density, aboveground biomass, and carbon storage of mangroves in this area. Data collection was conducted at four stations, namely Station 1 in Meuraxa District, Station 2 in Kuta Raja District, Station 3 in Kuta Alam District, and Station 4 in Syiah Kuala District, using a 100 m² quadrat transect method. Data processing involved allometric equations to determine aboveground biomass and carbon storage. Three mangrove species were identified: Rhizophora mucronata, Avicennia marina, and Nypa fruticans. The average mangrove density at Stations 1, 2, 3, and 4 was 0.50/m², 0.18/m², 0.17/m², and 0.32/m², respectively. The average aboveground biomass and carbon storage in the coastal area of Banda Aceh were 1450.18 kg/100 m² and 68.16 tons of carbon per hectare. This study underscores the potential of mangroves along the Banda Aceh coastline as carbon sinks, contributing to climate change mitigation.