Mangroves are a group of plants that are physiologically adapted for salt-water environs. They are functional halophytes – with the necessary features to survive in the salt-water areas, though they can also grow in fresh waters.
In Florida, they play a vital role in the coral reef life interdependence. Their extensive rooting system holds the shoreline soil and debris, ensuring that the adjacent open waters are clean. They also filter from the run-offs any harmful chemicals or heavy metals.Their extensive foliage provides nutrients to the undergrowth by shedding tons of leaves per acre in a year.
They also provide nursery grounds for young fish, water birds and deer. Nature lovers and recreationists often visit the mangrove strips. (Cathy 2005) Species in Florida Of the many species of mangroves known, three grow well in Florida. The red mangrove (Rhizophora mangle) has aerial roots and concealed prop roots that provide support in the soft ground.The black mangroves (Avicenia germinans) have small, aerial breathing roots called pneumatophores.
Their particular leaves are always white on the underside with secreted salts, unless they have been washed down by rain. By comparison, the succulent leaves of the white mangroves (Laguncularia racemosa) are green on both sides. (Kristensen 2005) Threats in Florida Mangroves in Florida are facing up to several challenges. Hurricanes are especially notable in this respect. The 1960 Hurricane Donna wiped out an extensive strip of mangroves in Southern Florida.Nowadays, human development, especially infrastructural buildup along the coastline, is having its impact on the mangroves.
Marinas, airports, seawalls and residential buildings have replaced a lot of the mangrove area. At the same time, human effluent into the mangroves has only made matters worse. Oil spillages, herbicides in the run-off and so on clog their lenticels, greatly reducing their vigor. And though adapted for wet environs, excessive flooding drowns the mangroves. (Gilman 2008) Mangroves have several natural competitors.The carrot wood and Brazilian pepper out-compete the mangroves above the tide-lines, due to their high salt tolerance.
Occasional fluctuations in salinity also encourage competition from other marsh-tolerant plants. Along the Florida coast in the South west to be specific, Sphaeroma terebrans which is an isopod that bores wood, is steadily shrinking the population of the red mangroves by boring through their prop roots. (Rehm) Protection steps being taken Several steps are being taken to alleviate the various dangers to mangroves in Florida.There is a decisive move to remove non-climatic stress on the mangrove strips. This is termed as the “no regrets mitigation action”.
Land use planning mechanisms called “managed retreats” are also being used to provide lead planning ahead of foreseen rises in sea-levels. These will support the migration of the mangrove plants towards the land.At the same time, fortification of the mangroves against hurricanes and tidal threats using artificial infrastructure (seawalls, bulkheads etc) is being implemented. McLeod 2006) There are plans to establish specific areas for the rehabilitation and refuge of endangered mangroves.
These refuge centers will replicate natural ecosystems, while concurrently reducing threats to the mangroves. In the meantime, mangrove monitoring networks are being set up, with the aim of studying physiological and ecological changes around the mangroves. The general public is also being involved through education and outreach programs.
