Coastal Heroes
Importance of Tidal Wetlands: mangroves, marshes, and seagrasses
What are mangroves and why are they important?
Mangrove forests are coastal wetlands in tropical and subtropical areas that aid in the protection of coastal erosion.
50% of all comercial fish rely on mangroves.
Their large root systems create habitat and shelter for many marine species.
Mangroves are an important part of the carbon cycle and store more carbon per unit than any other ecoystem on earth.
The largest mangrove in the world is located in Pongara National Park in Gabon, Africa. It stands at 60 meters tall.
What are marshes and how do they lower ecological impacts?
Marshes are areas of wetlands that are characterized by their watterlogged, nutrient rich soil, soft-stemmed plant life, and high biodiverity.
Marshes act as a water filtration system that captures excess nutrients and sequesters carbon.
Marshes help reduce damage casued by flooding by slowing and holding onto rising the waters.
The Cowichan marsh is located in the South River near Edgewater, MD and is a 70 hectare brackish marsh.
What do seagrasses do to help the environment?
Seagrass ecosystems consist of fully sumberged flowering plants and are found in shallow waters such as marshes or lagoons.
Seagrass beds help prevent shoreline erosion and reduce storm impact.
Seagrass help filter water by absorbing polution, nutrients, and carbon.
Shark Bay off the western coast of Australia is home to the largest patch of seagrass measuring over 112 miles of one singular organism.
Who is working in these environtments?
The marine conservation lab at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center is focused on the management and restoration of mangrove ecosystems.
Within these ecosystems, the lab focuses on blue carbon and the effects it has on these ecosystems.
Click the link to find out more about the marine conservation lab and their work.