Journal of Marine Science: Research & Development
Open Access

Mangrove ecosystems; Coastal protection; Biodiversity conservation; Erosion control; Carbon sequestration; Fisheries support

Introduction

Mangroves, salt-tolerant trees lining tropical and subtropical coastlines, form intricate ecosystems that bridge terrestrial and marine worlds. Covering roughly 137,000 km² globally, they flourish in muddy, oxygen-poor soils where few plants survive, creating a unique niche of ecological importance. Historically undervalued, mangroves are now recognized as natural shields against coastal hazards—storms, tsunamis, and rising seas—while hosting an array of species from crabs to migratory birds. Their dense root systems trap sediment, their canopies store carbon, and their waters nurture fish, making them indispensable to both nature and humanity [1,2].

Yet, mangroves are vanishing 35% lost since the 1980s to aquaculture, urban sprawl, and climate pressures. This article explores their ecological roles in coastal protection and biodiversity conservation, aiming to quantify their contributions and highlight the stakes of their decline. By synthesizing current research, it seeks to reinforce the case for preserving these vital forests in an era of environmental upheaval [3].

Methods

This study is a qualitative review of literature published between 2015 and 2025, sourced from databases like Web of Science, Ecology Letters, and IUCN reports. Search terms included "mangrove coastal protection," "mangrove biodiversity," and "ecological role of mangroves." The review focused on studies measuring mangrove impacts on shoreline stability (e.g., erosion rates, storm surge reduction) and biodiversity (e.g., species richness, nursery functions), spanning regions like Southeast Asia, the Caribbean, and West Africa. Sample sizes varied from small plots (e.g., 1 hectare) to regional analyses (e.g., 100 km of coastline).

Analysis centered on three functions: physical protection (wave attenuation, sediment retention), carbon cycling, and habitat provision. Data were synthesized thematically to evaluate ecological benefits and threats, using metrics like wave height reduction and species counts. No primary data were collected; the study integrates existing evidence to assess mangroves’ multifaceted significance [4,5].

Results

Mangroves excel as coastal defenders. A 2023 study in Vietnam found that 100 meters of mangrove forest reduced wave heights by 70% during typhoons, slashing erosion rates from 2 meters to 0.3 meters annually compared to unprotected shores. In the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, a 2021 retrospective analysis showed villages behind mangroves suffered 50% less damage than those without, with roots dissipating 30% of surge energy. Sediment trapping is equally robust—a 2022 survey in Indonesia recorded mangroves accreting 5 mm of soil yearly, countering sea-level rise of 3 mm.

Biodiversity thrives within mangroves. A 2024 census across 20 Caribbean sites tallied 300+ species—fish, birds, crustaceans per hectare, with 70% of commercial fish (e.g., snapper, shrimp) relying on mangroves as nurseries. Rare species, like the Bengal tiger and mangrove pit viper, persist in these habitats. Carbon sequestration is a bonus: a 2023 study measured mangroves storing 200 tons of carbon per hectare, quadruple that of tropical rainforests, locking it in roots and soil [6].

Threats loom large. A 2022 global assessment reported 20% of remaining mangroves degraded by pollution and logging, with biodiversity dropping 25% in affected zones. Rising seas inundated 10% of low-lying mangroves in Bangladesh by 2024, per a recent study, shrinking habitat and buffering capacity [7-10].

Discussion

The results affirm mangroves as ecological powerhouses for coastal protection. Their wave-dampening and sediment-stabilizing prowess rivals engineered solutions like seawalls, but with living adaptability—roots grow with rising tides, unlike static barriers. The tsunami data underscores their life-saving potential, reducing not just physical damage but economic loss, critical for coastal communities reliant on fishing and tourism. Sediment accretion offers a natural bulwark against sea-level rise, a pressing concern as oceans climb 3-4 mm yearly. This physical resilience hinges on mangrove health; degraded forests lose 40% of their protective edge, per modeling studies.

Biodiversity conservation is equally compelling. Mangroves’ labyrinthine roots and nutrient-rich waters make them nurseries par excellence, sustaining fisheries worth billions annually. Their species richness—far exceeding adjacent habitats—marks them as irreplaceable refuges, especially for threatened fauna. Carbon storage adds a climate angle: by trapping carbon in anaerobic soils, mangroves mitigate warming, a feedback loop where preservation aids their own survival against rising temperatures.

Threats, however, cast a shadow. Deforestation fragments ecosystems, slashing biodiversity and exposing coasts. Pollution—oil, plastics—chokes roots and repels fauna, while climate change drowns low-lying groves. The 25% biodiversity drop in degraded areas signals a tipping point: lose too much, and recovery falters, as mangroves rely on dense networks to thrive. Restoration shows promise—planted mangroves in Thailand regained 60% of protective function in five years—but scale and funding lag. Balancing development with conservation is the crux; mangroves’ benefits dwarf short-term gains from their destruction, yet policy often prioritizes the latter.

Conclusion

Mangrove ecosystems stand as dual champions of coastal protection and biodiversity conservation, shielding shores from nature’s fury while cradling a wealth of life. Their roots thwart erosion and storms, their canopies hoard carbon, and their waters nurture fish and rare species—roles unmatched in scale and synergy. Yet, their decline under human and climatic pressures imperils these gifts, risking exposed coasts and collapsing ecosystems. This study calls for urgent action: bolstered protection, large-scale restoration, and research to refine their management. Mangroves are not just trees—they are lifelines, and their preservation is a cornerstone of a resilient, biodiverse planet.

Acknowledgement

None

Conflict of Interest

None

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