Restoring degraded agricultural lands to their original coastal wetland cover is an approach for enhancing blue carbon storage. This approach enhances carbon sequestration in biomass and soils whilst reducing greenhouse gas emissions and delivering other conservation benefits such as enhancing biodiversity, improving water quality, and protecting coastlines from sea level rise. In Queensland, Australia, tens of thousands of hectares of coastal land have been converted to agriculture since the 1900s, often through drainage. We evaluated the characteristics of degraded agricultural land to identify opportunities for blue carbon restoration projects. Degraded agricultural land was identified through visual inspection of satellite imagery. Our analysis revealed degradation was associated with historical Melaleuca-dominated wetland vegetation and current land uses other than intensive agriculture. Field sampling of a subset of paired degraded and non-degraded sites found that water content, organic carbon, and electrical conductivity were significantly higher at degraded sites. We also observed standing water, drainage structures, and dead trees at degraded sites. From our analyses, we inferred land degradation is likely caused by waterlogging, salinisation, and land management choices. Degraded land historically vegetated by Melaleuca-dominated wetlands could be targeted for blue carbon restoration projects that protect remaining soil carbon and enhance carbon storage, restore ecosystem services, and provide new income streams for landowners. Further characterisation of the distribution of degraded lands may contribute to prioritisation of sites suitable for restoration.

Subtropical reefs are important habitats for many marine species and for tourism and recreation. Yet, subtropical reefs are understudied, and detailed habitat maps are seldom available. Citizen science can help fill this gap, while fostering community engagement and education. In this study, 44 trained volunteers conducted an ecological assessment of subtropical Flinders Reef using established Reef Check and CoralWatch protocols. In 2017, 10 sites were monitored to provide comprehensive information on reef communities and to estimate potential local drivers of coral community structure. A detailed habitat map was produced by integrating underwater photos, depth measurements, wave-exposure modelling and satellite imagery. Surveys showed that coral cover ranged from 14% to 67%. Site location and wave exposure explained 47% and 16% respectively, of the variability in coral community composition. Butterflyfishes were the most abundant fish group, with few invertebrates being observed during the surveys. Reef impacts were three times lower than on other nearby subtropical reefs. These findings can be used to provide local information to spatial management and Marine Park planning. To increase the conservation benefits and to maintain the health of Flinders Reef, we recommend expanding the current protection zone from 500-to a 1000-m radius.