The Importance of the Mangrove Forest

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Hema Rao

Tropical coastlines and marshy areas around the world have one thing in common: mangrove forests. These consist of trees and shrubs that throw out many prop roots and sustain a large variety of aquatic animals, birds and plants. These mangroves form a complete ecosystem. That is, they provide a complete base for all the organisms within that environment to live and thrive. That keeps the balance in the larger environment of which humans are a vital part. Marshy and swampy tidal areas near seas and estuaries, where rivers empty into the sea, are ideal for mangrove forests.

Mangrove forests act as nurseries for many marine species, they protect coastlines, and they regulate sea temperatures within their proximity.
Mangrove forests act as nurseries for many marine species, they protect coastlines, and they regulate sea temperatures within their proximity.

The prop roots have one function. They support the mangroves in the ever moving loose sand, as sea water flows over it.

All types of aquatic life forms can be seen in these mangroves — turtles, crabs, shrimps, lobsters, prawns, fish, storks, egrets and cranes, among others. Algae, which is the green scum on the water, is a source of food for many fish.

Underwater image of a mangrove-forest: the Importance of the Mangrove Forest
Underwater image of a mangrove-forest: the Importance of the Mangrove Forest

The mangrove belt is very important to humans. For, like the coconut, cashew and casuarina trees, it provides protection to the coastline from the rough seawaters and prevents soil erosion. During a cyclone or tidal wave, a mangrove belt faces the fury of wind and water and minimises the destruction on the coastline. The tidal forest is a rich source of biomass (organic matter that is used to produce energy).

A mangrove tree in water
A mangrove tree in water

But, not surprisingly, this rich aquatic ecosystem is under threat from humans. Land is being reclaimed from the sea for industrial and commercial purposes. Increase in shrimp farming has led to a decline in mangrove forests. Laws have been enacted to protect these forests, but the plunder continues.

315 words | 3 minutes
Readability: Grade 7 (12-13 year old children)
Based on Flesch–Kincaid readability scores

Filed under: planet earth
Tags: #trees, #environment, #roots, #ecosystems

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