Carbon sequestration and fluxes of restored mangroves in abandoned aquaculture ponds

There has been a growing interest in restoring mangroves to reduce and offset carbon (C) emissions, but it is still unknown whether restored mangroves provide ‘blue carbon’ services similar to natural ones. This study aimed to determine if 10 year-old restored mangroves in abandoned aquaculture ponds in Perancak Estuary, Bali have similar net primary productivity (NPP) and C sequestration to those of intact mangroves. Tidal re-instatement in the ponds has occurred and facilitated mangrove regeneration and sediment accumulation. We found that NPP were similar between natural and restored mangroves. Soil C sequestration in restored mangroves was similar to the natural mangroves, but the soil respiration (CO2 efflux) was lower. The source of C in mangrove sediments was mainly of mangrove origin, confirming the role of NPP in sediment C sequestration. We suggest that many components of the carbon cycle of the mangroves have been restored within 10 years since the reestablishment of the mangrove.