In nature, all organisms have a purpose — whether it is to protect, serve as food, provide shelter, or all of the above. These roles maintain balance. This is especially true for mangroves. But what are mangroves?
According to the article “Where Are Mangroves Found in the World?”, mangroves are defined as “unique trees and shrubs that thrive in coastal saline or brackish water environments.” They provide shelter for many marine animals, including fish, shrimp and crustaceans, as well as birds.
Charlie Malcolm-McKay states, “These forests serve as nesting, breeding and feeding grounds for a diverse array of bird species, such as the Black-capped Kingfisher, Boat-billed Heron and Mangrove Pitta. Mangroves are also vital to the survival of numerous migrating bird species, including the Western Sandpiper, which relies heavily on these habitats during its long migrating journey.”
Mangroves also benefit humans. Their wood is strong and can be used to build houses, though cutting them down is highly discouraged due to their endangered status. Because mangroves attract marine life, they are useful in maintaining biodiversity. As a result, they allow fishermen to thrive. They also improve environmental health by lowering carbon dioxide levels.
According to the Blue Carbon Initiative, “It is estimated that the average annual carbon sequestration rate for mangroves averages between 6 and 8 Mg CO₂e/ha (tons of CO₂ equivalent per hectare). These rates are about two to four times greater than global rates observed in mature tropical forests.”
Additionally, mangroves protect coastlines from violent waves by serving as barriers. They absorb the wave’s momentum, lessening the blow. Mangroves are found in many coastal regions, including Indonesia, India, Bangladesh, Australia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Brazil, the United States, Mexico, Colombia, Venezuela, and Nigeria. Because of their wide distribution, they are important to preserve. However, they are becoming endangered due to climate change and illegal cutting.
One place where mangroves are especially important is Puerto Rico. In 2017, Puerto Rico suffered two major hurricanes: Hurricane Irma, a Category 4 storm, and Hurricane Maria, a Category 5 storm. These hurricanes caused widespread devastation, destroying many habitats, including mangrove forests. As a result, many restoration programs have been created.
The Office for Coastal Management explains, “A large-scale restoration of the mangrove forest in Pozuelo, adjacent to Puerto Rico’s Jobos Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, is underway thanks to a $1.2 million grant from the National Coastal Resilience Fund. At 695 acres and growing, the project is part of a larger $3 million effort to expand the region’s mangrove habitat and protect communities from hurricane impacts.”
Despite restoration efforts, mangroves can still be threatened by government officials and those with connections to them. In 2025, relatives of Puerto Rico’s governor were accused of illegally cutting mangroves to remodel their home. Danica Coto reports that the current natural resources secretary, Waldemar Quiles, dropped the investigation. This decision raises concerns because it allows anyone with political power to work around environmental protections, putting mangroves at risk.
Mangroves are essential to coastal ecosystems. When they are damaged, many suffer, and vulnerable communities are left exposed. By protecting mangroves, we can all benefit.
Staff Writer: