The Mangrove Hub

Mangrove Adventure and Fun

Mangrove Education

The Buttonwood Mangrove

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The buttonwood mangrove is found along the coast, but in dryer conditions than the red mangrove. Take a look at those red button-shaped flowers. You can easily remember the name of this tree because of these flowers which are shaped like old-time buttons. The leaves are semi succulent, green and have two red notches located at the base.

 

The soil where the plant grows is very salty, because the plant grows near the coast. Somehow the plant must find a way to get rid of the extra salt it intakes; otherwise, it will die. So how does the plant survive these salty conditions? Salt is ejected through the two red notches located at the base of the leaf. When it rains, the salt is washed away from the plant and the process just continues as long as the tree is living and healthy.

Mangrove swamps – A snorkeling experience

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I know it seems kind of spooky sometimes when you visit mangrove areas, but you would be surprised to know that mangrove ecosystems are some of the most beautiful snorkel sites.

Where are the colors on this snorkel trip?

Do not expect to see colorful reef fish and animals in a mangrove snorkel. Instead expect to see a rich assortment of mangrove snappers, sponges, tiny coral fragments, algae and sometimes, blue holes! Actually, if you do notice any colorful reef fish, chances are, they are simply passing through the mangroves on their way to and from the reef. these animals will stand out and be susceptible to predators.

Ever wondered why the fish and marine life was so “drab” in color? I can not say that I know why their color is dull, but I do know that this trait is a fierce adaptation to allow the animals to hide and camouflauge in the already drab surroundings.

Try Mangrove Snorkeling

My experience snorkeling the mangroves have been one of the most awesome experiences ever! It just so happens, that this area had an assortment of blue holes ranging in depth from 10 feet to about 30 feet deep. One thing to keep in mind about blue holes, however is that if they can be “active”. An “active” blue hole is connected to underground cave system and is affected by the tidal movements. So be sure if you ever snorkel an active blue hole, that you do so at neutral or slack tide. I will talk more about mangrove blue holes in another post. Until then, take care and have some mangrove fun!

 

Mangrove Facts and Myths

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There are so many common myths about mangrove trees and mangrove environments in general. Here are 3 of the common ones I usually hear.

1. Mangroves are dirty – Fact – Mangroves are actually rich with nutrients and filter sediment for other marine environments such as coral reefs.

2. Only young wildlife lives in mangroves – Fact – not so. Animals are indeed a nursery area, but many of these animals spend there entire adult lives in the mangrove environment

3. Mangroves are dead areas which are deserted – Fact – they are actually teeming with life! Just take a closer look at these mangrove roots.

5 Reasons Why Mangroves Are important

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1. Mangroves help to build up land.

2. Mangroves are a nursery for fish, crabs, birds and many other animals

3. Mangroves protect seagrasses and coral reefs from being smothered by too much sand.

4. Mangroves buffer the coast and protect it from wave action and storms

5. Mangroves are the source of important fisheries

Welcome to the Mangrove Hub

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Welcome to the Mangrove Hub. You will learn everything you always wanted to know about these intriguing trees.

Mangroves refer to a group of salt tolerant plants which reside in partially or completely moist environments. The overall environment in which the plant resides including the water, animals, bacteria, fungi and others plants all constitute a mangrove ecosystem. Mangrove forests are found in tropical areas around the world and are teeming with life and opportunities. For more information on what are mangroves, click here.

I will share with you photos of mangrove fish, mangrove trees and the other plants and animals associated with this environment.

For more information on hands on experience in the mangroves, visit the here.

Enjoy !

Tansey