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CSEC GEOGRAPHY
NATURAL SYSTEMS
TOPIC NINE- MANGROVE SYSTEMS
SYLLABUS OBJECTIVES

(i) Importance of mangrove wetlands- coastal protection, ecological, socio-

MANGROVES

A mangrove is a shrub or small tree which grows in coastal saline or brackish water. They
are areas of diverse trees and shrubs which grow in saline conditions around the coast.
They form saline woodland or shrubland habitats called mangrove swamps.

Mangroves mainly grow and live on the shores of beaches. The roots of mangrove trees
span under the seabed and up the beach. They are mainly located in the intertidal zone
and as such much continuous adapt to changes.

Mangroves mainly grow in brackish water which is freshwater and saltwater. This is
formed from the mixing of seawater and freshwater in estuaries. They live in areas with
brackish water along with the heat and viscous mud located there.

Most mangroves are located between 25 degrees north and 25 degrees south.

Mangroves are very common in the Caribbean.

→ CARIBBEAN SPECIES OF MANGROVES

They are located closest to the sea and their roots are submerged by high tide. They are
adapted to the high salt levels through obtaining water from the ocean through reverse
osmosis.

Here, the magnesium ions releases salt from their roots which allows the plant to survive.

The long roots anchor the trees in the soft, muddy sediment and allows the tree to obtain
oxygen while trapping sediment to protect the coastline.

2. WHITE MANGROVES

These are located inland and do not have an extensive root system like the red
mangroves. They excrete salt onto their leaves.

Compiled by Alea M A Ali

3. BLACK MANGROVES

These are located more inland where conditions are saltier. They excrete excess salt onto
their leaves.

→ BENEFITS OF MANGROVES

Mangroves have several benefits for the shoreline.

During storms, mangroves operate as natural barriers against the sea, guard homes and
lives as they absorb wave surges. Thus, mangroves protect the shoreline from tsunamis
and hurricanes.

Mangroves slow down the rate of erosion by trapping sediments which also improves
the water quality of tidal rivers. They also trap toxins that have been released into the
water.

Mangroves operate as a marine habitat for many crabs, shrimps and fishes which
balances the amount of nutrients flowing out to the sea which is beneficial to coral reefs
and local fishermen. Mangroves provide food, nesting and nursery areas for many fish
species, reptile and amphibian species, mammal species and bird species.

These fisheries also generate a high amount of revenue.

Mangroves are a source of timber when harvested on a sustainable basis.

Mangrove plants also produce a wide range of medicinal uses.

→ ISSUES EXPERIENCED IN MANGROVE AREAS

CLEARING

Mangroves are under threat of clearing. Many mangroves are viewed as unproductive
and smelly and thus are often cleared for agricultural purposes, buildings, and structures
such as harbours and industrial areas. Mangroves are also cleared for tourist
developments, prawn aquaculture and salt farms.

Mangroves when pruned also produced fewer prop roots and fruits which lowers the
quality of the habitat.

OVERHARVESTING

Mangrove trees are used for firewood, charcoal production, and animal fodder. Some
places overharvest these trees for these purposes.

Compiled by Alea M A Ali

RIVER CHANGES

Construction of dams and irrigation systems reduce the amount of water which reaches
mangrove forests which changes the water salinity levels. If the salinity becomes too high
the mangroves cannot survive.

Freshwater diversions also cause mangroves to dry out.

Increased erosion as a result of deforestation increases the amount of sediment in rivers

OVERFISHING

Overfishing causes ecological imbalances in the food chains and mangrove fishes.

DESTRUCTION OF CORAL REEFS

Coral reefs operate as the initial barrier against currents and strong winds. When these
are destroyed, stronger than normal waves and currents now reach the coastline which
removes the fine sediments which mangroves need to survive.

These currents prevent seedlings from rooting and essential nutrients are washed away.

POLLUTION

Use of fertilizers, pesticides and other toxic manmade chemicals carried by river systems
from sources upstream kills animals in mangrove forests.

Oil pollution also damages mangrove roots by suffocating the trees.

Mangroves are often garbage dumps.

CLIMATE CHANGE

Mangrove forests need stable sea levels for long term survival. Mangroves are sensitive
to current rising sea levels caused by global warming and climate change.

Strategies to protect mangroves

Educating persons of the importance of mangrove swamps.

Use of environmentally-friendly cleaning products to avoid pollution of waterways.

Disposal of oils, chemicals, and old batteries at local collection sites.

Compiled by Alea M A Ali

Sources

https://www.slideshare.net/georgedumitrache399/geography-igcse-student-request-
mangrove-swamps-habitat

https://harmanbsite.wordpress.com/2016/12/13/mangroves/

https://www.nationalgeographic.org/media/the-mangrove-ecosystem/

https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/mangroves.html

https://www.slideshare.net/oraljohnson1/coral-reefs-and-mangroves

IMAGE OF A MANGROVE SYSTEM

Compiled by Alea M A Ali