Mangroves
Mangroves provide many valuable benefits to the environment:
- Stabilize shorelines
- Protect from storm surges
- Filter pollutants from water
- Allow sediment to settle
- Sequester carbon from the atmosphere
- Provide nursery grounds and habitat for a wide range of estuarine creatures, including commercial and recreational fish species
From an ecological perspective, mangroves are essential to the health of the ecosystem -- from their roots to their leaves. Roots provide nursery habitat for juvenile fish, shellfish, and crustaceans by allowing them to hide from predators. These small animals feed on even smaller phytoplankton which form the base of a food chain. The food chain starts with bacteria breaking down mangrove leaves that have fallen into the water, and ends with marine species that could be harvested by humans.
Mangroves can be trimmed to maintain property views, according to Florida state regulations. The Mangrove Trimming Guidelines for Homeowners provides information on allowable trimming and when a permit is required.
Additional Information: