Mats Björk

Mats Björk is a Professor at Stockholm University's Department of Ecology, Environment and Botany, where he leads the Birch research group focused on marine plant physiology and seagrass ecosystems. He coordinates the bilateral Marine Science Programme between Sweden and Tanzania, building capacity at the University of Dar es Salaam. His research examines:

• Seagrass productivity and carbon sequestration dynamics in tropical/temperate regions
• Impacts of environmental stressors (e.g., pollution, acidification) on marine vegetation
• Blue carbon storage in coastal landscapes including mangroves and seagrass meadows

His work spans field studies in Eastern Africa and the Baltic Sea, combining ecophysiology with ecosystem-scale carbon flux assessments. Research interests emphasize:

• Photosynthetic adaptations of marine angiosperms
• Sediment carbon storage mechanisms
• Climate resilience of coastal carbon sinks

Analysis of recent publications reveals strong emphasis on blue carbon dynamics, with 11 of 15 articles (2016-2023) addressing carbon sequestration in seagrasses. Work increasingly integrates molecular ecology (e.g., gene expression in Posidonia) and anthropogenic impacts (microplastics, land-use change).

Notable recognitions include co-authorship of IUCN climate resilience guidelines and contributions to intergovernmental blue carbon assessments. Current projects include:

• CLIM-SCAPE (Baltic coastal carbon hotspots)
• Ag + släke (nutrient reduction/biodiversity conservation)
• Fisheries/aquaculture capacity-building in Tanzania