Mangroves are trees or plants which grow in the area between the land and water. There are approximately 80 different species of mangrove trees. All of these trees grow in soils which are low in oxygen. Tidal movements vary in these areas, however it results in fine sediments gathering together along the roots. Although Mangrove trees grow in the water, they do so very successfully! In Florida, the Bahamas and the Caribbean, there are four main types of mangrove trees including, the red mangrove, black mangrove, white mangrove and the buttonwood.
The Mangrove Community includes all the different mangrove plants, algae, bacteria, fungi, fish, birds, crustacea and assortment of animals.
The Mangrove Ecosystem consists of the mangrove community, along with the non-living parts of the environment such as the tidal movements, soil, mud, and water.
Mangrove Ecology is the study of the mangrove community and how it interacts with its non-living environment.
The plants, as a group, provide excellent storm protection. During hurricanes, they act as a breakwater for storm surge and reduce the impact of the surge on land.
Also, the mangrove community is a nursery for fish, birds and many other creatures such as the spiny lobsters and crabs. Some of the common mangrove fish found includes barracuda, needle nose, grey snappers and bone fish.
Fine particles of sand get trapped among the tall roots of the red mangroves. Over time, this accumulates and builds up new land. This means future real estate potential! Although the land would have to be willed to our great, great, great grand children
There have been records of Mangroves from as early as 325 B.C. However, today Mangroves are becoming increasingly popular and more and more studies and reports are being generated about them.