Grade 11 Mangrove Ecosystems

Mangrove
Ecosystems
GRADE 11
Definition of terms
 Ecosystem-a community of interacting
organisms and their physical environment
 Mangroves-coastal plants which are able to
survive in soil soaked with water and are
adapted to tolerate salt water(halophytes).
These wetlands are often found where fresh
water meet salt water.
Mangrove Wetlands
 Mangroves wetlands or swamps are coastal
ecosystem found in tropical and sub- tropical
regions.
 Mangroves are found extensively in the
Caribbean as well as other parts of the earth.
 One of the largest mangrove swamps in the
world is found on the south-west coast of
Florida.
Distribution of Mangrove swamps
Types of Mangrove Ecosystem
Three types of mangroves can be

found in the Caribbean:
Red
White
Black
Red Mangroves
 Found closest to the sea and have roots submerged at
high tide
 They tolerate high levels of salt from the ocean
 The long woody roots help to anchor the plant in the
soft muddy sediment.
 The plant obtain oxygen via their roots
 Theroots also trap sediment, helping to stabilise the
coastal environment.
Black Mangroves Mangroves
 Found further inland than red mangroves
where conditions are saltier.
 Theydo not have the extensive aerial root
system as the red mangrove
 They excrete excess salt onto their leaves
 They transfer oxygen direct to the roots.
White Mangroves
Found further inland than red and

black mangroves
They can transfer oxygen direct to the
root
Produces green white flowers and small
fruit which is dry, leathery and ribbed
Importance of Mangroves
 Coastal Protection- the dense tangle of mangrove
roots help to trap sediment. This creates an effective
coastal defense to hurricanes, storm surges and
tsunami. As sea levels rise due to global warming,
mangroves will continue to grow and thrive,
providing lasting protection to coastal areas. If the
mangroves are removed, the muddy sediment
quickly washes away leaving the coastline
unprotected.
 Flood Protection
They protect coastal areas from flooding by absorbing
excess water.
Ecological (biodiversity) - mangrove swamps provide
valuable habitats for many species of animal and fish,
which benefit from the calm, sheltered waters. These
ecosystems sustain billions of worms, protozoa, barnacles
and oysters, which in turn feed fish and shrimp. These
then support wading birds, pelicans, and the endangered
crocodile
Importance of mangrove
 Socio-economic benefits - mangrove swamps are

popular tourist attractions despite the biting insects.
Visitors can appreciate the wide variety of flora and
fauna in their natural habitat. Mangroves provide many
products and raw materials and they have significant
values for local communities
 Building up land
Prop roots of red mangroves trap soil and organic
material. Accumulation of this material causes the build
up of soil. This leads to building of the land seawards.
 Protect coral reefs
Mangroves trap sediments from land runoff thereby
reducing the amount of sediments reaching coral reefs
 Provide home and shelter for fishes and other animals

Fishes spend part of their lifecycle in wetlands during
breeding and spawning. Mangroves serve as nurseries for
young fishes such as parrot fish, grunt and snapper.
Other animals such as crocodiles, birds and ducks find
shelter in Mangroves.
Threats to Mangroves
 Clearing: Mangrove forests have often been
seen as unproductive and smelly, and so cleared
to make room for agricultural land, human
settlements and infrastructure and industrial
areas. More recently, clearing for
tourist developments, shrimp aquaculture, and
salt farms has also taken place.
Overharvesting: Mangrove trees are used

for firewood, construction wood, wood chip
and pulp production, charcoal production,
and animal fodder.
 River changes: Dams and irrigation reduce the amount

of water reaching mangrove forests, changing the salinity
level of water in the forest. If salinity becomes too high,
the mangroves cannot survive. Freshwater diversions can
also lead to mangroves drying out. In addition, increased
erosion due to land deforestation can massively increase
the amount of sediment in rivers. This can overcome the
mangrove forest’s filtering ability, leading to the forest
being smothered.
 Destruction of coral reefs: Coral reefs provide the

first barrier against currents and strong waves. When
they are destroyed, the stronger-than-normal waves and
currents reaching the coast can undermine the fine
sediment in which the mangroves grow. This can
prevent seedlings from taking root and wash away
nutrients essential for mangrove ecosystems.
 Pollution: Fertilizers, pesticides, and

other toxic man-made chemicals carried
by river systems from sources upstream
can kill animals living in mangrove
forests, while oil pollution can smother
mangrove roots and suffocate the trees.
 Climate change: Mangrove forests require

stable sea levels for long-term survival.
They are therefore extremely sensitive to
current rising sea levels caused by global
warming and climate change.
Culminating Activity
 Listand explain THREE ways

mangroves can be destroyed?
 What measures can be implemented to
reduce mangrove destruction in the
Caribbean.
 Read Case study in the CSEC study
guide.
Identify the type of mangrove shown in the
photograph

Grade 11 Mangrove Ecosystems

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Mangrove

Three types of mangroves can be

Found further inland than red and

 Socio-economic benefits - mangrove swamps are

 Provide home and shelter for fishes and other animals

Overharvesting: Mangrove trees are used

 River changes: Dams and irrigation reduce the amount

 Destruction of coral reefs: Coral reefs provide the

 Pollution: Fertilizers, pesticides, and

 Climate change: Mangrove forests require

 Listand explain THREE ways

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