Mangrove forests are important to human well being and to the health of the planet, and to broaden the discussion mentioned above this section contains the numerous benefits it offers. Mangrove forests are important to many coastal species both the terrestrial and aquatic and are the basis of an incredibly productive food web. According to Conroy (2002) it serves as a starting place for organism food web. Its detritus (fallen leaves and organic material) serves as a nutrient source for plank tonic and epiphytic algal food webs. These microorganisms and macro invertebrates then supply the remaining members of the food web with tremendous amounts of nutrients and energy.
Mangrove forests provide suitable breeding and nursery areas for much of
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Mangroves protect both the freshwater and the saltwater ecosystems they straddle. According to Klugel, Feller, Heyman (2003) the mangroves’ complex root systems clean the water by filtering nutrients and run-off sediments out of the water before they reach nearby sea grass beds and coral reefs, which both grow best on environment with few nutrient concentration. While the American Museum of Natural History: Science Bulletin (2004) stated that mangroves also keep seawater from encroaching inland water …show more content…
It is done through a process of rhizofiltration and the microorganisms that can break down such pollutants thrive in these environments, they use enzyme to break down and make stable the potentially dangerous substance thus treating the effluent that runs through the mangrove system (Conroy, 2002). The mangroves also act as natural buffer zone between the land and the water because it reduces the wind and wave action in shallow coastal areas. Provide protection by dispersing the force of strong waves, tidal currents, tidal storm, storm surges, flood and typhoons that have been built up on the open waters, acting as a natural coastal defense mechanism for thousands of coastal areas and shoreline communities around the world. Mangroves are dense barrier against storm and tsunamis, saving lives and protecting property (Ocean Portal Team,