Bridging blue carbon and carbon markets: An interdisciplinary analysis of research and technology for climate mitigation

Blue carbon ecosystems offer exceptional carbon sequestration potential, yet their integration into carbon markets remains limited. This study pioneers a bibliometric and patent analysis approach that bridges the blue carbon and carbon market fields to identify research domains and technological advancements that could enhance blue carbon marketability. We analyzed the social networks and projected lifecycle of 3291 research articles and 2088 patents. Results reveal that while the blue carbon market remains nascent, significant foundational work provides a basis for its growth. Our analysis identifies: (a) a diverse technological focus, where carbon market patents emphasize emissions reduction, clean energy production, and trading systems, while blue carbon patents are shifting from raw material sourcing toward conservation technologies and scientific investigation tools; (b) four key areas of research convergence: wetlands management for climate integration, policy development, carbon stock assessment, and marketability evaluation, while technological convergence is most evident in areas such as algae cultivation for carbon credits and carbon accounting methods; (c) that a successful blue carbon market will require interdisciplinary collaborations to integrate diverse ecosystem services, develop market infrastructure, and implement integrated management practices; and (d) that adapting proven technological solutions from existing carbon markets will be essential to overcome barriers related to measurement uncertainty and credit verification complexity. This assessment provides a roadmap for research, technology, and policy initiatives to bridge the gap between blue carbon's potential and its successful integration into carbon markets.