Mangroves

Mangrove forests are among the richest bio-systems on Earth and the most threatened. A vital buffer between land and sea in the tropics and semi-tropics. Mangroves are a living shelter for fish and shellfish, crocodiles, iguanas, Bengal tigers, otters, manatees, herons, eagles and countless other species. They sequester carbon in their inundated soils at rates two to four times greater than tropical forests. But 30-50% of Mangroves have been lost in the last 50 years. The large–scale conversion of these areas for aquaculture and development is the primary cause of mangrove deforestation.

- UN FAO, Conservation International

WHAT YOU CAN DO

• Do not eat shrimp unless it is MSC-certified or sourced from truly sustainable producers, since most shrimp farms replace cleared mangrove forests.

• Reduce single-use plastics, which often end up in coastal zones and damage mangrove nurseries for fish and birds.

• Educate others about the importance of mangroves and encourage local restoration or coastal clean-up efforts.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Visit:

• Mangrove Action Project (MAP)

• Sanibel‑Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF)

• Society for Ecological Restoration (SER)

• Mangrove Restoration Project – Gazi Bay, Kenya