Changes in the organic carbon accumulation rate (C-org A.R.) and their relation to climate changes during the last 8,000 years were investigated in a 20 m sediment core from the Nakaumi Lagoon, southwest Japan. High-resolution C-14 dating was possible from fifteen shell samples. The warm climate interval 8,000-6,500 cal. yr B.P. was accompanied by increase in the C-org A.R. (21-32 g m(-2) yr(-1)) and the cool climate interval 3.000-2,000 cal. yr B.P. by a decrease (11 g m(-2) yr(-1)). The accumulation of both terrestrial and planktonic organic matter increased during the warm interval. The lagoon seems to act as a more effective small sink for atmospheric CO2 following the global warming climate. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.