Mangroves are the rainforests by the sea. Mangrove forests literally live in two worlds at once, acting as the interface between land and sea. Mangrove forests are vital for healthy coastal ecosystems. Fallen leaves and branches from the mangroves provide nutrients for the marine environment and support immense varieties of sea life in intricate food webs. They offer refuge and nursery grounds for juvenile fish, crabs, shrimps and mollusks.
Mangroves help protect coastlines from erosion, storm damage, and wave action.
They catch alluvial materials flowing toward the sea, providing sediment accretion that balances sediment loss. Vital coral reefs and sea grass beds are also protected from damaging siltation. Mangrove ecosystems have traditionally been sustainably managed by local populations for the production of food, medicines, tannins, fuelwood and construction materials. For millions of indigenous coastal residents, mangrove forests offer dependable, basic livelihoods and sustain their traditional cultures. Oil spills, which are quite numerous and continue to plague the petroleum industry, are a very serious concern in regards to the health of our planet's remaining mangrove forests.