TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Ocean Conservation Administration worked with Kaohsiung’s marine bureau and National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology in a pilot program to turn idle fish ponds into blue carbon sites that store carbon.

CNA reported Thursday that the pilot site in Kaohsiung's Yongan District added about 0.5 hectares of carbon-storing land. The administration said that the site is designed as a hands-on model that other cities and fishing communities can replicate.

According to the Ocean Affairs Council, blue carbon refers to carbon that is stored in coastal and ocean ecosystems like mangroves, seagrass beds, and salt marshes. These habitats soak up carbon dioxide from the air and lock it into plants and seabed soil for a longer time.

Researchers planted native seagrass and mangroves to clean up water, lock in carbon, and increase biodiversity. Surveys showed about 60% seagrass cover, lower nitrogen levels, and more bottom-dwelling species than before the pilot.

The administration said teams have screened 105 idle ponds along the Kaohsiung coast, covering about 18.4 hectares, as future blue carbon sites. The agency said it will scale the work up and link with partners to push blue carbon methods across Taiwan.