Tidal wetland restoration is an area of increasing focus for climate change mitigation – especially on the west coast of the U.S., where approximately 85% of historic tidal wetlands have been lost. This is an important area of research, as blue carbon ecosystems such as tidal marshes, mangroves, and seagrass are efficient carbon sinks that generally release minimal methane under saline conditions. One of our MSEM Spring 2024 graduates, Nicholas “Nick” Rowlands, contributed to this growing body of research with his Master’s Project: “An inventory of tidal marsh restoration opportunities in Humboldt Bay and their impact on greenhouse gas emissions.”
A centerpiece of Nick’s research was his GIS analysis to identify opportunities for tidal marsh restoration around Humboldt Bay, using published greenhouse gas emission factors to estimate impact. The findings are striking, including the potential to remove the equivalent of more than 6,000 gasoline-powered cars’ worth of carbon dioxide emissions annually by restoring 3,933 acres of former tidelands that were diked and drained for agriculture in the 19th century and are now primarily used as pasture. Most of this potential greenhouse gas benefit stems from avoided emissions.
This untapped potential for GHG savings – equivalent to 25,865 metric tons of CO2 yearly – underscores the regional imperative to consider nature-based solutions essential to climate change mitigation strategy. Nick’s research provides planners with numerous options for restoration site selection – including agricultural land as well as existing palustrine wetlands, large and small sites, and hydrologically discrete areas across the Humboldt Bay region. The GHG emissions from the study area are large compared to its size, pointing to the potential outsized impact of tide marsh restoration. Post-restoration, it is estimated that each site would become a net carbon sink.
In outlining environmental management recommendations for Humboldt Bay planners, Nick focused on seven key actions:
- Focus on restoring agricultural land
- Target avoided emissions
- Explore opportunities in protected areas
- Prioritize ground-truthing potential restoration sites
- Conduct region-specific research on restoration and emissions
- Create a regional restoration planning body
- Develop a blue carbon plan tied to state and county climate goals
His full research paper is available for download here.
Following graduation, Nick is actively pursuing work in coastal management and has applied for the California Sea Grant State Fellowship. He recently attended the State of the Estuary Conference with other members of the MSEM community and San Francisco Bay ecology community. And at our recent Master’s Project Research conference and celebration, Nick was honored with an award for academic excellence – as well as a GIS Certificate. We are excited to see what he does next, building on his personal commitment to coastal policy, climate resilience, and environmental management combined with his professional experience as an accomplished environmental writer and editor.
We recently caught up with Nick, who shared some additional background on his research and experience along with his advice for current and prospective MSEM students.
What most surprised you during the process of conducting your Master’s Project research?
“Many things! In terms of the research, it surprised me how variable blue carbon sequestration rates and magnitudes are. They vary a lot, even on small spatial scales, and can be hard to predict. It is also unclear how long the carbon is actually stored for, which is an area of active research. Again, it varies, but it is possible that much of the carbon stored in tidal marshes is exported to the ocean in dissolved inorganic form. In terms of process, it surprised me how long the initial literature review took to research and write up (there’s always more to include!), but I was also pleasantly surprised at how quickly the discussion came together once I knew what it was I wanted to say.”
How has your MSEM experience helped shape your career aspirations?
“It’s completely upended them, but in a good way! I came into the program expecting, and even intending, to work on urban climate resilience, but was immediately drawn more toward the ecology and then the water side of things. Over time I realized that I wanted to work in coastal management, though I didn’t fully understand that until I got so deeply into the world of blue carbon restoration for my project. I also hadn’t given much thought to GIS before starting the program, but really enjoyed it and completed the certificate. That is a skill set with huge potential, which I’d like to develop further and use professionally in some capacity.”
What advice do you have for continuing, incoming, and prospective MSEM students?
“Prospective students: Talk to current students and to alumni about their experience, and especially their subsequent career path, to make sure the program aligns with your goals.
Incoming students: You’ve made a great choice! Everyone will tell you to start thinking about your capstone project on day 1 – and you should, but don’t sweat it. Relatedly, don’t worry too much about the concentrations – they are to help you structure your learning, but there are many ways to climb the mountain. Breadth of experience is good, and it’s important to be open to new interests and opportunities.
Continuing students: When it comes to the capstone project, write as you research. Start this straight away. Seriously! Don’t worry about the craft at all – you do it to help you think and to help narrow down your project. Your topic may not come into focus at first and that’s ok, the early writing will help you develop clarity and also shape. It should also save you time later. Also, merely highlighting PDFs and organizing them in a reference manager does not count as taking notes, believe me. Be intentional. Annotated bibliographies are your friend.”
