10 September 2025 Scottish Government publishes Blue Carbon Action Plan

The Blue Carbon Action Plan sets out how the Scottish Government will work to integrate the latest evidence on blue carbon into nature conservation and climate change policies and actions that will be taken to address key evidence gaps. In doing so, this action plan sets out the Scottish Government’s position on blue carbon, outlines the policy landscape, and provides details on each habitat, including on the current state of scientific understanding and where there are gaps that need to be addressed. Addressing these evidence gaps means that blue carbon habitats can be supported effectively and with the right tools, so that they can form part of the broader Government strategy to tackle the climate crisis.

To support the Blue Carbon Action Plan and engage a wider audience, NatureScot have created an interactive StoryMap. This introduces the concept of blue carbon and explores the blue carbon habitats in Scotland. In the StoryMap, some of the actions that can be taken to enhance blue carbon, including the protection and restoration of the habitats are also outlined.