The nutrient humic layer provides food for the herbivores found in the mangroves. Through continuous tidal movements, these nutrients also supply species in surrounding estuaries and coral reefs. This release of excess nutrients is essential for resources such as oysters. When a mangrove area is cut down for shrimp aquaculture, the intricate and productive system is destroyed. Shrimp farmers must then use artificially cultured larvae, which are less hardy and require fertilizer and antibiotics.
Indigenous species are incapable of combating foreign diseases resulting in decreased populations.
Mangroves are a type of wetland and are one of the most threatened habitats worldwide. Habitat loss is the primary reason for species endangerment. In many countries seasonal storms are more intense when the protective layer provided by the forests are removed. In 1991, thousands of people were killed by a tidal wave in Bangladesh where shrimp farms had replaced mangroves. A Source of Livelihood Mangroves are so productive that they are the source of livelihood for many people.