Mangroves - Mangroves

Mangroves
Ocean Oasis Field Guide

Mangrove Wetlands
Coastal wetlands are an important part of the marine habitat, providing a rich source of nutrients for ocean-dwelling organisms and also a nursery for young fish and marine invertebrates. On the Gulf coast, and southern Pacific coast of Baja California Sur, many of these wetlands are bordered by shrubs and trees called mangroves. Mangrove wetlands are found closest to the sea and are flooded by daily tides. Red Mangrove (Rhizophora mangle) displays characteristic prop roots. Black (Avicennia germinans) and White (Laguncularia racemosa) Mangroves can usually be found landward of the Red Mangrove.

Mangrove wetlands provide habitat and also prime nesting and migratory sites for hundreds of bird species. Mangroves support extensive coastal food webs, provide shoreline stability and erosion prevention, and storm protection. Mangrove forests literally live in two worlds at once, acting as the interface between land and sea. The mangroves act as buffers and catch sediment and alluvial materials, thus stabilizing land elevation by promoting sediment buildup in tidal areas. Vital coral reefs and sea grass beds are also protected from damaging siltation due to the filtering effects of Mangrove forests.

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