Estimation, Challenges and Enhancement Strategies for Carbon Sink of Maricultured Macroalgae in China
- 1School of Ocean Engineering and Technology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
- 2Guangdong Agricultural Technology Extension Center, Guangzhou 510500, China
- 3South China Sea Institute of Development Research, MNR, Guangzhou 510300, China
Abstract
Macroalgae have efficient carbon sequestration capacity, and their carbon sink function is an important component of marine carbon sink fisheries. In recent years, the carbon sink of maricultured macroalgae in China has attracted considerable attention, particularly with the rapid development of modern marine ranching. Based on data from the China Fishery Statistical Yearbook, this study analyzes the current status of macroalgal cultivation in China during the period from 2013 to 2024, estimates spatiotemporal variations in amounts and composition of macroalgal carbon sink in key coastal provinces, discusses the challenges faced by macroalgal carbon sink in the context of global change, and proposes macroalgal carbon sink enhancement strategies. The results indicate that total amount of macroalgal production in China has steadily increased from 1.86×106 t/a in 2013 to 3.03×106 t/a in 2024, with an increase of 62.9%.Correspondingly, the carbon sequestration amount of cultivated macroalgae in China reached 1.93×105 t/a in 2024, with an increase of 65.0% compared with 1.17×105 t/a in 2013.In terms of carbon sequestration composition of major cultivated macroalgae from 2013 to 2024, the amount of Saccharina japonica accounted for the largest proportion with a value of 1.15×106 t, followed by Gracilaria(2.94×105 t) and Porphyra(1.78×105 t). Some differences in macroalgal carbon sequestration were observed among key coastal provinces nationwide. Global change-induced ocean warming, ocean acidification, and coastal eutrophication affect the carbon sequestration capacity of macroalgae. The following pathways, including macroalgal cultivation, integrated multi-trophic aquaculture, offshore and deep-sea aquaculture, and artificial carbon sink enhancement technology, are expected to enhance macroalgal carbon sequestration capacity, promote the development of carbon sink fisheries in modern marine ranching, and contribute to the achievement of China's “dual carbon” goals.
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BibTeX
@article{feng2026estimation,
title = {{Estimation, Challenges and Enhancement Strategies for Carbon Sink of Maricultured Macroalgae in China}},
author = {LIU Feng and LIU Xin and YE Shengbo and ZHAO Yanfei and YANG Xianhui and ZHANG Cuiping},
journal = {Haiyang Kaifa yu guanli},
year = {2026},
month = jul,
doi = {10.20016/j.cnki.hykfygl.2026.07.010},
url = {https://doi.org/10.20016/j.cnki.hykfygl.2026.07.010},
note = {CC BY-NC-ND},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Estimation, Challenges and Enhancement Strategies for Carbon Sink of Maricultured Macroalgae in China
AU - LIU Feng
AU - LIU Xin
AU - YE Shengbo
AU - ZHAO Yanfei
AU - YANG Xianhui
AU - ZHANG Cuiping
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/07/01
JO - Haiyang Kaifa yu guanli
DO - 10.20016/j.cnki.hykfygl.2026.07.010
UR - https://doi.org/10.20016/j.cnki.hykfygl.2026.07.010
AB - Macroalgae have efficient carbon sequestration capacity, and their carbon sink function is an important component of marine carbon sink fisheries. In recent years, the carbon sink of maricultured macroalgae in China has attracted considerable attention, particularly with the rapid development of modern marine ranching. Based on data from the China Fishery Statistical Yearbook, this study analyzes the current status of macroalgal cultivation in China during the period from 2013 to 2024, estimates spatiotemporal variations in amounts and composition of macroalgal carbon sink in key coastal provinces, discusses the challenges faced by macroalgal carbon sink in the context of global change, and proposes macroalgal carbon sink enhancement strategies. The results indicate that total amount of macroalgal production in China has steadily increased from 1.86×106 t/a in 2013 to 3.03×106 t/a in 2024, with an increase of 62.9%.Correspondingly, the carbon sequestration amount of cultivated macroalgae in China reached 1.93×105 t/a in 2024, with an increase of 65.0% compared with 1.17×105 t/a in 2013.In terms of carbon sequestration composition of major cultivated macroalgae from 2013 to 2024, the amount of Saccharina japonica accounted for the largest proportion with a value of 1.15×106 t, followed by Gracilaria(2.94×105 t) and Porphyra(1.78×105 t). Some differences in macroalgal carbon sequestration were observed among key coastal provinces nationwide. Global change-induced ocean warming, ocean acidification, and coastal eutrophication affect the carbon sequestration capacity of macroalgae. The following pathways, including macroalgal cultivation, integrated multi-trophic aquaculture, offshore and deep-sea aquaculture, and artificial carbon sink enhancement technology, are expected to enhance macroalgal carbon sequestration capacity, promote the development of carbon sink fisheries in modern marine ranching, and contribute to the achievement of China's “dual carbon” goals.
SN - 1005-9857
ER -