People living along the south Florida coasts benefit many ways from mangroves. Mangrove forests protect uplands from storm winds, waves, and floods. The amount of protection afforded by mangroves depends upon the width of the forest. A very narrow fringe of mangroves offers limited protection, while a wide fringe can considerably reduce wave and flood damage to landward areas by enabling overflowing water to be absorbed into the expanse of forest. Mangroves can help prevent erosion by stabilizing shorelines with their specialized root systems.
Mangroves also filter water and maintain water quality and clarity.
It is true that mangroves can be naturally damaged and destroyed, but there is no doubt that human impact has been most severe. Florida Marine Research Institute scientists are studying changes in Florida's coastal habitats. The scientists are able to evaluate habitat changes by analyzing aerial photographs from the 1940's and 1950's and satellite imagery and aerial photography from the 1980's. Frequently the changes illustrate loss of mangrove acreage. Through researching the history of study sites, these losses are often attributed to human activities.