How does bottom trawling affect the ocean’s ability to sequester carbon?
Sediment-covered seabeds in the Baltic Sea can play an important role as carbon sinks. At the same time, trawling takes place on these seabeds. New global studies estimate that disturbance of the seabed caused by trawling can impair carbon storage by stirring up and resuspending sediments.
Researchers at Stockholm University will investigate the effects of bottom trawling on carbon turnover in the Baltic Sea. The results are important for the introduction of ecosystem-based fisheries management and for efforts to promote natural carbon sinks as part of climate action.
The project is being carried out by Stockholm University. Through BalticWaters’ program for research projects and pre-studies, the project has been awarded a grant of SEK 578,880.
Project materials
Article: The climate impact of bottom trawling in the Baltic Sea (2024-03-18)