Unfortunately, demands of development often override the need for conservation and many of these wetlands are in danger of being degraded or destroyed. Wetlands serve vital environmental functions. They function as aquatic breeding grounds and nurseries for salt and freshwater organisms, especially several species of commercially important fish. Mangroves provide essential nutrients for juveniles as well as protection during the critical stage of their development. It is estimated that two-thirds of the commercial fish caught in Trinidad and Tobago inhabited mangroves during some stage of their development.
Wetlands provide habitat for different species of wildlife.
The Caroni Swamp has well over 160 species of birds, including our national bird, the scarlet ibis. Nariva Swamp is home to the endangered manatee. Other wetland dwellers in clued caiman, crabs, snakes, cascadura, black conch, capuchin and howler monkeys. Mangroves often act as a buffer against wind and heavy rains and offer shoreline protection and stabilisation. Wetlands are important land builders and protect the coast from erosion by interrupting the transfer of energy from waves and trapping mud and silt from river discharge.