They are usually found protected from the direct influence of the open ocean, either by coral reefs or within sheltered bays and estuaries. There are approximately 54,000 hectares of mangrove forest in Kenya. Sea-level is currently rising so erosion is the dominant geomorphological process. Clear-felling of mangrove forest or harvesting wood from the edges of the creeks can accelerate this erosion. Mangroves, seagrass beds and living coral exist in a delicate ecological balance in terms of nutrients, sediments, salinity and wave action.
Corals require clear water of low nutrient status.
The mangroves and seagrass beds trap sediments and nutrients, ensuring suitable conditions for the corals and providing a major food supply for marine organisms. Coral reefs dissipate much of the wave energy, protecting the mangroves and seagrass beds from erosion. Indirect Environmental Benefits Coastal protection from erosion, flooding, sediment deposition. Protection of live coral reefs and clear water tourist beaches. Absorption of an amount of pollution.