Mangroves

World Distribution

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Mangroves

• Found along coastal areas, especially in estuaries.

• Grow well in areas with salt and fresh water mix

• Different species of mangroves use different areas of the tidal zone.

Mangrove Importance

• Areas have murky muddy water that create habitats for juvenile fish, sharks and crustaceans

• Root systems anchor the soil and prevent erosion in coastal zones

• Act as wave breakers, protecting coasts and communities from climatic change

• Create breeding and feeding grounds for many marine animals.

Cultural Importance

• Mangrove areas provide food and shelter for communities. Crustaceans and fish species are caught using traps and nets

• Tree parts have traditional uses such as• Fence building• Makes dye for tapa cloths• Fish traps• Other fishing practices

Areas of Issue

• Pigs free to wander and feed from estuary areas. Pigs increase levels of nitrates and bacteria in the area as well as digging up new mangrove shoots.

• Deforestation and soil erosion

Mangrove Species in Vava’u

• Red Mangrove (Rhizopora sp.)

• Prop Roots• Small Leaves• Whitish Yellow Flower• Long pod seed• Water/Sea

• Prop Roots• Sprout from very high up in the tree• The older the tree the higher the roots are

located• Roots are very important and have many

functions• Anchor the plant• Absorb minerals• Gas exchange O2 and CO2• Absorb water from surrounding ecosystem

and excludes the salt

• Leaves are thick and waxy preventing excessive water loss

• Use photosynthesis to create food

• Dead leaves fall into water and decay providing nutrients for ecosystem

• Seed Pod drops when ready

• Carried by tides and currents

• Root end bulbous and heavy planting into tidal soil zones

Conservation and Sustainability

• Community ran projects for planting mangroves

• Creating sustainable use programs

• Education in schools and community meetings