Mangroves
Mangroves are coastal tropical forests in shallow
waters that provide shelter for a multitude of species
of juvenile fish and shellfish. They also offer
protection for coastlines during severe storms, and
serve as natural water purification areas. The
importance of mangroves is only beginning to be
understood.
Many uses of mangroves have resulted in a reduction in
the total number of mangroves worldwide. While
displacing mangroves with shrimp farms occurred at the
advent of farming, it is now known that mangroves are
too important to the ecosystem to destroy.
Shrimp farming is the only industry making a concerted
effort to protect and replace mangroves. Government
regulation and industry efforts in some areas have
resulted in more mangroves that were present originally.
Mexico has very stringent laws protecting mangroves.
Most shrimp farms in Mexico are in areas where there are
no mangroves.
For more information visit
Ocean Trust Website |
