Mangrove Wetlands 2023 PDF

MANGROVE WETLANDS ASHTON LAGOON, UNION ISLAND SVG HTTPS://WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/RADIOGRENADINES/VIDEOS/ASHTO N-LAGOON-RESTORATION-PROJECT/1311012482336755/ OBJECTIVES To describe the different types of mangrove wetlands in the Caribbean. To explain the importance of mangrove wetlands. WHAT ARE...

MANGROVE WETLANDS ASHTON LAGOON, UNION ISLAND SVG HTTPS://WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/RADIOGRENADINES/VIDEOS/ASHTO N-LAGOON-RESTORATION-PROJECT/1311012482336755/ OBJECTIVES To describe the different types of mangrove wetlands in the Caribbean. To explain the importance of mangrove wetlands. WHAT ARE MANGROVE WETLANDS? Mangrove wetlands or swamps are coastal ecosystems found in tropical and subtropical regions. They are characterized by halophytic (salt loving) trees, shrubs and other plants growing in brackish to saline tidal waters. These wetlands are often found in estuaries, where fresh water meets salt water. A mangrove is a shrub or small tree that grows in WHAT ARE MANGROVE WETLANDS? Mangrove trees have various adaptations that allow them to live in saline, tidal areas. Their dense root systems give support in the soft, water-logged sediment. In most species, the roots protrude above the soil to absorb oxygen from the air, as the sediment is oxygen-poor. Found between 32 degrees north and 38 degrees south of the Equator, in sheltered, inter-tidal areas that receive a high annual rainfall. MANGROVES IN SVG In SVG, two examples of mangrove forests can be found at Brighton and Canash on the windward side. Although some remnants survive on mainland Saint Vincent, the overall trend has been one of decline, today mainland St. Vincent has only 3.88 acres of mangrove remaining. ASHTON LAGOON, UNION ISLAND, SVG THE LARGEST BAY IN THE GRENADINES, ASHTON LAGOON INCLUDED THE LARGEST MANGROVE HABITAT ON THE ISLAND AND IN SVG TYPES OF MANGROVES CARIBBEAN MANGROVE WETLAND ECOSYSTEMS  RED MANGROVES Are found closest to the shore and have their roots submerged at high tide. They cope with high levels of salt by obtaining water from the ocean through a process known as ‘reverse osmosis’. The long arching aerial woody roots help to anchor the plant in the soft muddy sediment. It is through the roots that oxygen is obtained. The roots also trap sediment, helping to stabilize this coastal environment.  BLACK MANGROVES Black mangroves are usually found in slightly higher elevations upland from red mangroves. They are found further away from the shore where conditions are less salty. They can be identified by numerous finger-like projections, called pneumatophores, that protrude from the soil around the tree's trunk. Black mangrove leaves are oblong, shiny green on top and covered with short dense hairs on the underside. They do not have extensive aerial root systems.  WHITE MANGROVES White mangroves are usually located in elevations higher and farther upland than either the red or black mangroves. They have no visible aerial root system like red mangroves (they are more tree-like). The easiest way to identify white mangroves is by the leaves. The leaves are up to 3 inches long, elliptical (rounded at both ends), yellowish in color, and have two distinguishing glands at the base of each leaf blade where the stem begins. Like black mangroves, they do not have extensive aerial root systems. They cope by excreting the excess salt onto IMPORTANCE OF MANGROVE WETLANDS  COASTAL PROTECTION The dense tangled root systems of mangrove forests trap sediments flowing down rivers and off the land. This helps stabilizes the coastline and prevents erosion from waves and storms. In areas where mangroves have been cleared, coastal damage from storm surges, hurricanes and tsunamis is much more severe. By filtering out sediments, the forests also protect coral  ECOLOGICAL (BIODIVERISTY) IMPORTANCE The dense root systems of mangrove forests form valuable habitats/homes for fish, crabs, shrimps, and molluscs which benefit from the calm, sheltered waters. They also serve as nurseries for juvenile fish. Many coral reef fish, for example, spawn in mangrove forests. The young fish stay in the forest, where there is plenty of food and they can shelter from predators, until they are old enough to move to the reef. In addition, mangrove forests are nesting and migratory sites for hundreds of bird species, as well as home to a SOCIO-ECONOMIC BENEFITS Tourism: their proximity to other tourist attractions such as coral reefs and sandy beaches, have made them popular ecotourist attractions. Places as diverse as Bonaire and offer snorkelling expeditions in and around mangroves to witness a variety of baby fish, jellyfish, and urchins. Timber and plant products: Mangrove wood is resistant to rot and insects, making it extremely valuable. Many coastal and indigenous communities rely on this wood for construction material as well as for fuel. These communities also collect medicinal plants from mangrove ecosystems and use mangrove leaves as animal fodder. Recently, the forests have also been commercially harvested for pulp, wood chip, and charcoal production. CONCLUSION Mangrove wetlands can protect tropical coastlines. Mangroves are important for the marine ecosystem. In many areas, mangroves have been destroyed or are under threat. MS Teams Exercise on Coral reefs and mangrove wetlands (20 marks)