Aquatic ecology and Biodiversity

Unit 10- Coastal ecosystems

10.4.3. Importance of mangroves
• Protect coastlines against erosive wave action and strong coastal winds, and serve as natural barriers against tsunamis and torrential storms.
• Refuge and nursery grounds - mangrove areas are excellent nursery grounds for a variety of commercially important prawns, crabs and fin-fishes, as they provide necessary food and shelter for living organisms. These ecosystems also provides food, roosting, nesting site and shelter to a large varieties of birds.
• Are important breeding ground for many fishes, crabs, prawns and other marine animals
• Fallen leaves and branches from mangroves contribute to the detritus and provide nutrients for the marine environment. These ecosystems are quite productive (350 – 500 g C m^–2 yr^–1).
• Prevent salt water from intruding into rivers.
• Retain, concentrate and recycle nutrients and remove toxicants through a natural filtering process.
• Provide resources for coastal communities who depend on the plants for timber, fuel, food, medicinal herbs and other natural products.