Filter feeders feed on the detritus and the detrital organisms. These in turn become food for birds and humans. This is only a simple food chain present in the mangrove swamp, in truth the mangrove contains multiple, highly complex food chains, with many of the organisms dependant upon one another for their survival. Many marine species of fish that are important in both recreational and commercial fishing industries, spend a large proportion of their life cycle in the mangrove swamp. Once they have grown to a large enough size, they can venture out to the open sea.
Mangroves are essential to maintain our fishing industries.
The disappearance of mangroves will almost ensure an enormous reduction in fish catches. Their conservation and protection are therefore of vital importance.