Mangrove Forests
Mangrove forests are one of the world’s most productive ecosystems. Filling the same niche as salt marshes in temperate areas, they border estuaries in tropical and subtropical areas of the world, covering a total of approximately 15.2 million hectares. Mangroves perform many vital ecological services, such as storm buffering, carbon sequestration, and providing a habitat for both adult and juvenile aquatic (and sometimes terrestrial) animals.
Perhaps mangroves’ most amazing adaptations are their complex root systems and their tolerance of brackish water. Mangrove roots grow in various forms to absorb as much oxygen as possible, which they do as soon as tides go out and they’re exposed to air. Although up to 90% of salt is prevented from entering a mangrove, the salt that does penetrate the tree is excreted; in some species, the salt recrystallizes on the leaves, eventually making its way back into the water.
Unfortunately, despite their many adaptations and great ecological importance, many mangrove forests face uncertain futures. Many have been cleared for urban and industrial development, and many more have been cleared for the artificial farming of shrimp. Over the past 50 years, 40% of mangroves have been lost. There have been efforts to restore mangroves in some areas, but more mangrove-covered area is lost each year.
As we read in Ecuador’s Environmental Revolutions, many mangrove forests in Ecuador have been converted in commercial shrimp farms. With enough education, however, I believe that coastal Ecuadorians will realize the importance of the mangroves, and the true cost of their destruction. Although shrimp farms may bring short-term benefits, the important ecological role of the mangrove forests cannot be replaced. The presence of healthy mangrove forests will increase seafood yields, draw in ecotourists, and protect the coastline from storms and erosion.
Perhaps mangroves’ most amazing adaptations are their complex root systems and their tolerance of brackish water. Mangrove roots grow in various forms to absorb as much oxygen as possible, which they do as soon as tides go out and they’re exposed to air. Although up to 90% of salt is prevented from entering a mangrove, the salt that does penetrate the tree is excreted; in some species, the salt recrystallizes on the leaves, eventually making its way back into the water.
Unfortunately, despite their many adaptations and great ecological importance, many mangrove forests face uncertain futures. Many have been cleared for urban and industrial development, and many more have been cleared for the artificial farming of shrimp. Over the past 50 years, 40% of mangroves have been lost. There have been efforts to restore mangroves in some areas, but more mangrove-covered area is lost each year.
As we read in Ecuador’s Environmental Revolutions, many mangrove forests in Ecuador have been converted in commercial shrimp farms. With enough education, however, I believe that coastal Ecuadorians will realize the importance of the mangroves, and the true cost of their destruction. Although shrimp farms may bring short-term benefits, the important ecological role of the mangrove forests cannot be replaced. The presence of healthy mangrove forests will increase seafood yields, draw in ecotourists, and protect the coastline from storms and erosion.