Living Mangroves: The Protectors of Our Coasts

Introduction to Mangroves

If you’ve ever heard of mangroves, you may know that they are trees that grow along shorelines. But I bet you have no idea how vital they really are to coastal ecosystems and communities everywhere, not just near the sea.

Environmental Impacts

For starters, mangrove ecosystems provide shelter and nurseries for a wide diversity of coastal life, including crustaceans, birds, reptiles, mammals, insects, and mollusks. Not to mention, over 30% of all commercial fish species around the world are dependent on mangroves at some life stage (Naylor et al., 2000).

Mangroves also have a significant impact on the ocean and the world as a whole. For example, these incredible trees have complex root systems that trap sediment and pollutants, keeping shallow water clear and healthy for seagrasses and reefs. Even more influential, mangroves can store up to 5 times more carbon per hectare than tropical rainforests (Diez & Castano Isaza, 2023), which plays a pivotal role in stopping climate change in its tracks.

Effects on People

Mangroves not only affect nature, but also make a monumental contribution to society, whether we know it or not. To realize how much we take mangroves for granted, we need to understand just how crucial they are to preventing harm in coastal communities. According to The Nature Conservancy, mangroves in Florida reduced flood damage from Hurricane Irma by $1.5 billion, and protected over 600,000 people. It’s hard to believe that one kind of saltwater plant could save so much, right? But shockingly, it’s true.

For people who work with fisheries, mangroves are just as essential. A study shows that mangroves support the livelihoods of over 4 million people globally (ZSL, n.d.). This proves that mangroves are fundamental to our way of life, sometimes when we aren’t even aware of it.

Mangroves Are Dying

Unfortunately, we are losing these shoreline wonders at a staggering rate. A study shows that 20% of the world’s mangroves have been lost in the past 40 years (FAO, 2023). So what if mangroves disappear? Why should it matter? Well, if all of the mangroves were lost, they would emit the same amount of carbon into the atmosphere as every car in the United States running for almost 20 years (EPA, 2023; MoneyGeek, 2025). The thought of this much carbon being released into the air is incredibly alarming.

What We Can Do

The good news is that you can still take action. Often, it’s hard to believe that you can have an effect on marine ecosystems if you live inland, far from the coast. But there are actually lots of things that you can do to help mangroves, even from the comfort of your own home. For example, simply ensuring that you don’t release balloons into the sky can save the lives of marine organisms miles away. Making sure that any shrimp or seafood you purchase is labeled as “Sustainably Farmed” or “ASC Certified” can reduce mangrove destruction from fisheries and aquaculture.

In Conclusion

Mangroves are necessary to so many aspects of our world, from marine ecosystems to people in distant countries, and we can’t afford to lose them for good. Yet, they are dying faster than we can comprehend. Mangroves face threats from rising ocean temperatures, coastal development, water pollution, and so much more. But it’s not too late to make a difference. Research how mangroves affect your life and what endangers them. Then see what you can do to have an impact.

But while all of these actions are incredibly helpful, you alone making these changes can’t save the mangroves that are dying from deforestation and pollution. One mangrove can’t stop a flood, but together a forest can. It’s the same with us people. So to make a real difference, share what you’ve done with your community and suggest changes that they could make too. Because if we all choose to work towards a future where mangroves flourish and thrive, it will become a reality.