A new study into the carbon stored in Tasmania's forests will provide a solid scientific foundation for debate on the state's potential as a carbon sink, the Minister for Climate Change, Cassy O'Connor, said today.

Ms O'Connor today released the Final Report of the Tasmanian Forest Carbon Study, prepared by consultancy CO2 Australia.

"This research is one of the most comprehensive assessments of statewide carbon stocks undertaken within Australia," she said.

"It comes at a critical time for our forests, and looks at how we can estimate the current and potential carbon content, and the effect of a range of forestry, land use and climate change scenarios on carbon sequestration."

Ms O'Connor said the Tasmanian Forest Carbon Study also examined possible market opportunities for carbon captured by Tasmania's forests.

"The Study does not make firm conclusions as to the dollar value of the actual and potential carbon in our forests," she said.

"Carbon markets are highly dynamic and the rules for participation are complex, and the extent to which we can profit from Tasmania's forest carbon is not clear at this point.

"However, the study gives us the science that can underpin our discussions with the Commonwealth over the Carbon Farming Initiative as well as help inform the debate over the future use of our forests."

Ms O'Connor said the Study has been done in a way that is open and transparent, and uses data from a range of authoritative sources. 

"The project team, with guidance from the independent expert Steering Committee, has done a great job of explaining this complex science, and I congratulate them on this comprehensive report," she said.

"We will continue to work with both industry and the Commonwealth to look at how best to capitalise on this living resource for the benefit of all Tasmanians."

Ms O'Connor said the Study was undertaken by consultants CO2 Australia Pty Ltd between November 2011 and July 2012, with data provided by a range of organisations including Forestry Tasmania, the Wilderness Society, the University of Tasmania, the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and the Environment and the CSIRO.

The independent Steering Committee (Distinguished Professor Jim Reid, Professor Brendan Mackey and Associate Professor Cris Brack) provided oversight of the project, which was funded through a $250,000 budget allocation from the Tasmanian Government.

The Report can be accessed at http://www.dpac.tas.gov.au/divisions/climatechange/what_the_government_is_doing/forest_carbon_study