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| Learn About Mangroves and the Initiative
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The largest mangrove complexes are associated with estuaries of large rivers flowing over a shallow continental shelf. Some international places mangroves are found include: the Ganges in India and the Mekong Delta in Vietnam.
Why are mangroves important?
They cycle nutrients and remove pollutants.
They absorb wind and wave energy protecting the coast.
They provide food and habitat for fish, birds, mammals, reptiles and invertebrates.
Mangroves provide attachment surfaces for filter-feeders, like oysters.
Mangroves reduce excessive sediment and nutrient from run-off and thereby protect adjacent seagrass and coral habitats.
Approximately 70% percent of the gamefish and shellfish we eat originate within mangrove estuaries.
"If there were no mangroves, Florida would not be the angler's paradise that it is, " says Capt. Pete Greenan of Sarasota, "Mangroves are where you will find the snook, mangrove snapper and juvenile game fish. Mangroves are simply the base of the entire coastal food chain."
What kind of sport fish depend on mangroves?
Snook, redfish, seatrout, tarpon, ladyfish, black grouper, sheepshead, mangrove snapper, black drum and more...
What kinds of mangroves are found in Florida?
Red mangroves (Rhizophora mangle), in particular, are easy to recognize by their arching prop roots (Image Below Left). Often called the "walking tree" red mangroves are the species found closest to the water and most often inundated by tides. Their prop roots help the trees withstand the heavy wind and waves that accompany a shoreline life.
Black mangroves (Avicennia germinans) have their own unique root system, tubes known as pneumatophores that grow up from the soil surrounding the tree. These structures act as breathing tubes for the plant in wet soil and submerged conditions. Black mangroves can be found growing among red mangroves, but are often situated a little higher and drier on the land. A little farther inland or slightly higher in elevation, you'll find the white mangrove and the buttonwood.
White mangrove (Languncularia racemosa) has no visible root system to distinguish it. Identify the plant by its leaves, elliptical and light green, with two sugar glands on the leaf stalk at the base of the leaf blade.
The buttonwood (Conocarpus erectus) is found in the upland transitional zone. It's named for the button-like flowerheads it produces.
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| More Information on The Mangrove Initiative
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Why is the Mangrove Recovery Initiative needed?
Mangroves and the species that depend on them have suffered major losses in terms of range and abundance, and their future is uncertain. The loss of mangroves due to human development has been extensive. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, more than 85% of mangrove habitat areas have been lost since the 1940's. Vast tracts of mangrove forests have been dredged and filled, replaced by marinas, seawalls, and other commercial and residential development. Changes to hydrology, particularly through man-made canal systems, have significantly altered the patterns and quality of freshwater flow in the Florida Everglades. Legislative protections have been enacted to protect remaining mangroves, however losses continue to mount.
While mangroves can naturally recover from the impacts of hurricanes, the condition of many sites requires intervention in order to ensure a healthy future. These sites are vulnerable to invasions of exotic species and conversion to open water or other habitat types.
How does the Mangrove Recovery Initiative protect and restore mangroves?
The Mangrove Recovery Initiative, launched in April 2005, is a cooperative, multi-year effort to conserve and restore mangrove habitats throughout Florida. The Initiative began as a collaboration between the FFF, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, and several local FFF clubs (Mangrove Coast Fly Fishers, Sanibel Fly Fishers). As the Initiative progresses, we are expanding into new areas and developing new partners. Our latest project, restoration of the old-growth Shell Mound forest, is funded in part by the FishAmerica Foundation and the NOAA Restoration Center.
Activities include clearing trails and ditches, removing exotic species, planting native species, restoring hydrologic connections, monitoring, and educational events. See our Events page for more!
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| Links on Mangrove Information
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