Reef Relief - The Coral Reef Ecosystem - Mangroves
The Coral Reef Ecosystem - Mangroves
Reef Relief
WHERE DO MANGROVES LIVE?
Mangroves grow in tropical regions at river mouths, bays, coastal lagoons and islands. Mangroves are common in the Florida Keys: they create a fringing network around most islands and grow at hundreds of shallow locations offshore.
WHAT IS A MANGROVE?
Mangroves are a community of tropical trees and shrubs that have adapted to a salt-water environment. Mangroves play a critical role as part of the interdependent coral reef ecosystem. 74% of the game fish and 90% of the commercially valuable sea life in South Florida depend on Mangroves.
WHY ARE MANGROVES IMPORTANT?
Mangroves trap debris and silt, stabilizing the near shore environment and clarifying adjacent open water, which facilitates photosynthesis in marine plants.
The fringing network on Mangroves buffers natural forces such as hurricanes, wave action, tidal change and run-off, preventing soil loss with its firm, flexible barrier.
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