Turning A New Leaf

• Introduction to Mangroves
• Global Distribution
• Shrimp Farming
• Management
• Restoration
• Conservation
• References

---

Introduction

Mangroves provide quite a few ecosystem services including habitat, refuge from predation, propagule enhancement sites, and food for organisms [1]. They also trap sediments, therefor protecting the coastline from erosion and they protect coral reefs and sea grasses from storms [2]. Mangroves also filter sediments and contribute organic matter to the surrounding estuaries [9]. Human uses consist of firewood, lumber, food, and medicine [1]. Mangroves are especially important in less-developed countries where those people depend on these forests for subsistence [9]. The trees have various adaptations that allow them to live submerged in highly saline waters. This includes:

• dense root system
• exclude or excrete salt
• tissues that allow for gas exchange in low oxygen soils
• reproductive adaptations: floating seeds

The bases of the food web in mangroves is the detritus from their leaves. There are many commercially important species in relation to this food web basis. Mangrove forest losses are on a large scale, and not until the 1970's were the ecological values documented [4].

---

Video: Introduction to Mangroves and Their Importance

Video: Mangroves The Roots to the Sea

Go to next page: Global Distribution

Mandi Cromar
The Oregon Institute of Marine Biology
Fall 2012