MANGROVES
Stephanie, Miranda, Brandon, David, Malcolm
Definition of a Mangrove
A tree or shrub that grow in tropical coastal swamps. Mangroves typically have tangled roots above ground.
Benefits of Mangrove
- Provide nursery to young marine organism
- Filter and trap dirt/toxins before it arriving to the shore.
- Provides Detritus
Natural threats to the Mangrove
- Hurricanes
- Strong winds can uproot and topple them
- sediments can clog the roots
Human threats to the Mangrove
- Garbage
- Dredging spoils
- Oil spills
- Sewage
- Slash and Burn
Environmental Impacts Upon Destruction
- Fish will have no nursery
- Birds will have no place to roost
- Sediment washes to the sea
- Homes will have no protection from winds, waves, and tides
White Mangroves
- Least tolerant to salt water.
- Grows farthest from the sea.
- Usually found on higher grounds
- No root adaptation (looks like a normal bush)
Black Mangroves
- 2nd most salt tolerant
- Have Pneumataphores (Drinking straws)
- shallow roots brings oxygen to the roots
- Anaerobic environment (lacking oxygen)
- Grows furthest from coast
- Only mangrove found in Texas
- The name is based from the black pigment it gives off.
Red Mangoves
- Highly salt tolerant
- Found in low or high tides
- Name given because of the red tannin on the roots when wet
- Prop roots help anchor them to loose mud.
- Stabilize the shore line
- Not found in Texas
Conservation
- Keep the shoreline clean
- Designated mangroves as a natural resource
- Designate as buffer zone
The Mangrove Action Project - Mangrove Forest Restoration & Conservation