Transforming Palmyra Atoll to native-tree dominance will increase net carbon storage and reduce dissolved organic carbon reef runoff

Transforming Palmyra Atoll's rainforest from coconut palm dominance to native species could significantly increase terrestrial carbon storage by 11.6% while reducing dissolved organic carbon (DOC) runoff, benefiting coral reefs and mitigating climate change impacts. The study used field sampling, remote sensing, and literature-based parameter estimates to model carbon dynamics before and after transformation. It predicted a decrease in aboveground biomass but a substantial increase in soil carbon, particularly with the expansion of native Pisonia grandis and Heliotropium foertherianum forests. Additionally, nearshore DOC concentrations were found to be lower near native forests compared to coconut palm-dominated areas, suggesting potential benefits for coral health.

Longley-Wood, K., Engels, M., Lafferty, K. D., McLaughlin, J. P., & Wegmann, A. (2022). Transforming Palmyra Atoll to native-tree dominance will increase net carbon storage and reduce dissolved organic carbon reef runoff. Plos One, 17(1), e0262621. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0262621