A Vital Ecosystem
Mangroves are a group of trees especially adapted for survival in very salty soil and water conditions, as well as conditions of low oxygen, and even flooding. Belize is home to three types of mangrove (Red, Black, and White) and subspecies known as Buttonwood. Mangroves cover 3.4% of Belize’s land surface, occurring in a belt along the coastal zone. You may also find them along the Western Highway, 12 miles from the coast. Sometimes, they can be found near rivers in freshwater, thriving on the nutrients from upstream which collect among their dense roots.
How Mangroves Function
Mangroves are designed to use energy from non-living organic material known as detritus, in the sea, mudflats or rivers. Along coasts and cayes, they are nourished by algae and seagrass detritus, deposited among their roots by the tides. Their roots have organs that allow them to take in oxygen, even if there is very little in their habitat.
PC: Aristedes Carrera
The Importance of Mangroves
Mangroves are a vital part of the ecosystem because they are the last land-based system near coral reefs to filter water before it passes through submerged seagrass and finally reaches the delicate coral reefs. The mangroves filter and clean the water and remove pollutants being deposited in waters near coral reefs.
Mangroves are very sturdy and form a protective barrier between the sea and inland areas in the event of severe weather such as a hurricane. Often, they have been called “Mother Nature’s Seawall”. Another amazing fact is that, not only do they defend land, they actually help to build it. Sediment collects among their tangled roots that can eventually form into small islets, which in turn reinforce coastlines.
Mangroves are extremely productive ecosystems. All those nutrients and accumulated sediments in their dense root systems are exported to adjacent ecosystems. The result is an expansive web of life revolving around the tightly clumped trees. The chain continues in that it provides an important habitat for migrating birds, as well as a nursery ground for millions of juvenile forms of marine life, all of which find shelter and food among the roots.
Mangrove Life
Mangroves provide many services, including nursery and feeding grounds for a variety of species, such as this school of snappers sheltering in Tunicate Cove, Belize.
Photo by Tim Laman
Mangroves are very adaptable to changing conditions along the coast of Belize. Their roots are firmly planted in water and are a haven for tiny fish, crabs, and newly-settled lobsters. Some of these miniatures make their way to the reefs as adults as amazing Barracuda and grey Snappers. Up above, snails, crabs, insects, and reptiles go about their busy lives. Reptiles and lizards move silently in search of prey. But there’s more: mangroves are also extremely important for long-legged wading birds, which not only nest in their branches, but also feed in the shallow protected waters near-shore.
Hopefully, now you will look at Mangroves in a whole new light. Unassuming as they seem, they work very hard to protect life and land.
Written by Nelita Castillo
The article has been slightly modified since its original publishing date.
