Draft #3 : Mangroves Natural vs. Economical Approach

This discussion topic submitted by Jaleann M. Matos Mc Clurg ( jaydee_fish@hotmail.com) at 12:48 pm on 3/25/01. Additions were last made on Saturday, May 4, 2002.

Abstract : The natural importance of mangroves and the economical uses of mangroves needs to be analyzed. The natural and economic value of mangroves needs to be balanced so their is no misunderstanding of the adequate use of this valuable resource. People should persue to have an adequqte balance between the natural and economic uses so the value of the mangrove forests in natural and economical terms can be mantained over time. However, the natural importance is forgotten when their are economical interests involved. The mangroves in natural & economical terms are important because they serve as breeding and nursery grounds to many marine organisms, they are buffers zone between land and sea (prevent soil erosion), they have reproductive strategies that make them colonize the environment, biodiversity anomalies dependent on longitude and other factors, main source of tannins, woods, food sorce, medicinal use,shrimp industries, etc. The mangroves worldwide are reduced due to their use for development of houses, megahotels, industries & other activities that are dependent on the coastal zone. By the other hand, the mangroves are been degraded (I will bring examples). It's important to understand the role of mangroves on the protection of other coastal habitats and the consequences of lossing mangroves in the coast.

I. Magrove definition : halophytic species of trees that are adapted to wet soils, saline habitats and are subject to periodic tidal submergence.

II. Factors controlling mangrove distribution: a)climate, b) salt water, c) tidal fluctuation & d) substrate

III. Mangrove Origin : General Biogeography

IV. Biodiversity Anomalies

V. Mangrove Reproductive Strategies

VI. Mangrove importance along the coastline

VII. The economical values or human uses given to the mangroves

VIII. Some implications of mangrove forest loss. Why is important to mantain mangroves along the coastline. If their is a loss of mangrove natural resource, will it affect adjacent ecosystems that interact with it. Examples of mangrove forests degraded by human activity.

IX. Some Political and Sociocultural actions that affect the economic and natural importance of mangroves.

X. Prediction for mangroves in the future

XI. Conclusions

References :

A. Books & Primary Literature

1.Bandaranayake, W.M. " Traditional & medicinal uses of mangroves ". Mangroves & Salt Marshes, 1998, vol. 2,p.p. 133-148. 2. Chapman, V.J. Mangrove Biogeography. University of Puerto Rico Department of Marine Sciences Library, Mayaguez P.R. 00708.
3.Ellison, A. M, E.J. Farnsworth & R. E. Merkt. " Origins of mangrove ecosystems and the mangrove biodiversity anomaly ". Global Ecology & Biogeography, 1999,vol.8, p.p. 95-115.
4. Kaplowitz,M.D. " Identifying ecosystem services using multiple methods : Lessons from mangrove wetlands of Yucatan, Mexico ". Agriculture & Human Values,2000,vol.17,p.p. 169-179.
5. Kovacs, J.M. " Assessing mangrove use at the local scale " Landscape & Urban Planning,1999,vol. 43,p.p. 201-208.
6. Nybakken, J.W. 1993. Marine Biology : An Ecological Approach. 3rd edition. Harper Collins College Publishers. p.p.462.
7. Odum, W., McIvor C.C., & T.J. Smith III. 1982. The Ecology of the Mangroves of South Florida : A Community Profile. Bureau of Land Management, Fish & Wildlife Service, U.S. Department of Interior. FWS/OBS-81/24.
8. Queen, W.H. & R.J. Reimold. 1974. Ecology of Halphytes. Academic Press, Inc. New York & London. p.p.605.

B. Website Sources

9. Barbier, E.B. , M.A. Acreman & D. Knowler.1997. Economic Valuation of wetlands : a guide for policy makers and planners. Ramsar Website : http://www.ramsar.org. p.p. 127.
10. http:.//www.godrejnet.com/mangrove/man7.htm : Importance of Mangroves.
11. htt://www.sierraclub.ca/national/shrimp/biod.html : Biodiversity and Mangroves.
12. http://nhmi.org/mangroves/rep.htm : Reproductive Strategies of Mangroves.
13. http://www.env.qld.gov.au/environment/coast/habitats/m.html : Mangroves - more than mud and mozzies !

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