ABS study reveals the value of oceans

A newly released study from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) features experimental information on some of the benefits provided by Australia’s oceans.

Advising that the National Ocean Account showed there was over one million hectares of mangrove forests and up to three million hectares of seagrass meadows in 2021, Jonathon Khoo, ABS Director of Environment and Satellite Accounts, stated “mangroves and seagrasses play a large role in supporting communities. For example, mangroves protect over 18,000 kilometres or 30% of Australia’s total coastline. That translates to safeguarding about 175,000 people from natural hazards like floods and storms.

“Alternatively, using means other than mangroves to protect 85,000 homes could cost the community over $200 billion up front and up to $8 billion annually

“Western Australia absorbs up to 2.8 million tonnes of carbon dioxide annually or about 20% of Australian sequestration from mangroves and seagrass.

“Meanwhile, South Australia can provide over 30% of carbon removal services (sequestration) from seagrass meadows."

The National Ocean Ecosystem Account is a joint project between the ABS and the Federal Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.

Click here for more information in the National Ocean Account, Experimental Estimates August 2022.

Image: Ningaloo Reef.