This project assessed scientifically how the restoration of the Dry Creek salt fields can be a pathway towards assisting carbon neutrality for the South Australian Government. The main outcome of this interdisciplinary research project was a feasibility assessment of Blue Carbon and co-benefits derived from salt field restoration, with a market ready pathway to carbon accounting and registration that is relevant for achieving South Australia’s climate ready policy. 

The investigations have generated knowledge and data on bio-sequestration and carbon abatement through revegetation of salt fields. As salt production has recently ceased at Dry Creek, the activity is new and emissions abatement through carbon sequestration and/or emission avoidance is additional, as revegetation would not be possible had the ponds remained as a salt field. The project outcomes are thus meeting the key Offset Integrity Standards and can be utilised as offset for South Australia’s carbon neutral policies with medium to long-term prospects. The project informs the development of practical guidelines for using the verified carbon standard VM0033, the Human Induced Regeneration accounting method for the Emissions Reduction Fund and, once available, the Australian Emission Reduction Fund methodology for Blue Carbon.

This project has delivered a science based proof of concept of the carbon sequestration potential and wider economic and ecosystem service benefits from large scale restoration of the Dry Creek salt field. This will inform decision making on restoration options, and grow the research expertise in South Australia to further advance science on climate action and healthy ecosystem. 

Knowledge adoption products:

• Project highlight (3 pages)
• Blue carbon research highlights (3 pages)
• Introductory video clip (2 mins by verbalize.com)

Journal papers:

• Clarke et al. 2021: Integrating Cultural Ecosystem Services valuation into coastal wetlands restoration: A case study from South Australia. Environmental Science & Policy 116: 220-229. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envsci.2020.11.014

Technical Report Series:

• Dittmann, S., Mosley, L., Beaumont, K., Clarke, B., Bestland, E., Guan, H., Sandhu, H., Clanahan, M., Baring, R., Quinn, J., Seaman, R., Sutton, P., Min Thomson, S., Costanza, R., Shepherd, G., Whalen, M., Stangoulis, J., Marschner, P., Townsend, M. (2019) From salt to C; carbon sequestration through ecological restoration at the Dry Creek Salt Field. Goyder Institute for Water Research Technical Report Series No. 19/28.
• Dittmann, S., Mosley, L., Clanahan, M., Quinn, J., Crooks, S., Emmer, I., Min Thomson, S. and Seaman, R. (2019) Proof of concept for tidal re-connection as a blue carbon offset project. Goyder Institute for Water Research Technical Report Series No. 19/29, Adelaide, South Australia. ISSN: 1839-2725

Blue carbon synthesis reports:

• Dittmann, S., Mosley, L., Jones, A.R., Clanahan, M., Beaumont, K., and Gillanders, B.M. (2019) Research agenda for blue carbon in South Australia. Goyder Institute for Water Research Technical Report Series No. 19/31. ISSN: 1839-2725
• Jones, A.R., Dittmann, S., Mosley, L., Beaumont, K., Clanahan, M, Waycott, M., and Gillanders, B.M. (2019) Goyder Institute blue carbon research projects: synthesis report. Goyder Institute for Water Research Technical Report Series No. 19/30. ISSN: 1839-2725