Draft #4 : Mangroves Natural vs. Economical Approach

This discussion topic submitted by Jaleann M. Matos Mc Clurg ( jaydee_fish@hotmail.com) at 12:58 pm on 4/1/01. 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 pursue to have an adequate 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 zones between land and sea(prevent soil erosion), they have reproductive strategies that make them colonize their 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 those marine ecosystems. We also should keep in mind that mangroves from part of an important food chain that we beneficiate from.

I. Magrove definitions

A. Natural terms: halophytic species of trees that are adapted to wet soils, saline habitats and are subject to periodic tidal submergence.

B. Economical terms : Economic resource in which the goods and services are limited or scarce. The mangroves can be a material for practical purposes, insa-tiable and unlimited. Our needs for a particular material can be satisfied over a short period of time. Are we able to exploit and get enough from nature ? Why? What happens with the resource value ? What happens to the loss of habitat for the flora & fauna and coastal habitats environment ?

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

III. Mangrove Reproductive Strategies & Origin

IV. General Biogeography

V. Biodiversity Anomalies

A. Factors responsible for the biodiversity pattern

VI. Mangrove significance along the coastline

VII. Economical Uses of Mangroves

VIII. 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.

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

X. Mangroves Predictions for the future

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 Science Library. Mayaguez, P.R. p.p. 22.
3. Ellison, A. M, E.J. Farnsworth & R. E. Merkt. " Origins of mangrove ecosys-tems 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.E. , C.C. McIvor & 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 the Interior. FWS/OBS-81/24(January 1982). p.p. 144.
8. Queen, W.H. & R.J. Reidmold. 1974. Ecology of Halophytes. Academic Press, Inc. New York and 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.floridaplants.com/horticulture/mangrove.htm : Florida's Mangroves : " Walking Trees".
11. http://ww.godrejnet.com/mangrove/man7.htm : Imortance of Mangroves.
12. http://www.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 & mozzies !
14. http://www.sierraclub.ca/national/shrimp/biod.html : Biodiversity and Mangroves.


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It is 7:15:19 PM on Friday, May 9, 2008. Last Update: Saturday, May 4, 2002