Florida is home to some of the largest biodiverse ecosystems on Earth, which are quite beautiful, yet goes unnoticed in a state that is constantly developing. One crucial element to these ecosystems is the mangroves.
Currently residing along Florida’s coastline in the Keys are the many different species of mangroves- red mangroves, white mangroves, black mangroves, and the buttonwood. While all of these species have different functions and importance to protecting the Florida coastline, it’s important to remember they all perform the same overall function- protecting the coastline from erosion and winds.
Why are Mangroves Important?
Mangroves are vital in protecting the coastline. For example, they act as physical barriers on the coastline, preventing pollution from building up, and providing habitats and protection from predators for all kinds of species. Similarly, mangroves also improve the water quality of the oceans and river banks that they are located along. Although, most importantly, mangroves filter out the large amounts of carbon dioxide in the air, storing the carbon in the roots and soil of the mangroves. This aspect is crucial to our entire planet, and most specifically concentrated in the protection of Florida’s coastline. This process of storing carbon, also known as “carbon sequestration”, is detrimental in regulating global temperatures, and significantly contributes to reducing the impact of climate change.
What is happening to the Mangroves?
As Florida becomes more densely populated, the pollution becomes more dense as well, making the Mangrove populations decline every year. Due to rapid coastal development, the coastlines become more polluted, which negatively affects the resilience of the mangroves. Ultimately causing a population and biodiversity loss. In addition, extreme amounts of stress are placed on them from development. Large amounts of mangroves are removed by processes such as dredging and filling, altering the natural flow of water, and preventing animals from building new habitats.
Furthermore, as hurricanes become more intense and substantial, mangroves are taking longer recovery periods. The delayed process for mangroves to rebuild their population, combined with the excessive removal of mangroves, is speculated to lead to a collapse of some Florida ecosystems, affecting not only the natural life, but Florida residents too. Zoe Schmidli, the AP Environmental Science and Ecology teacher at Seminole High School (SHS), says mangroves provide an “absorbing effect for increased water height with hurricanes and excessive amounts of rain.” Without this absorbing effect, Schmidili states “the water will go inland and damage properties, homes, people, and other ecosystems, so [mangroves] are detrimental to Florida’s ecosystem.”
What can be done?
For one, coastal development companies must stop removing excessive amounts of mangroves as soon as possible. As a result, mangroves will start their natural recovery period, restoring the population loss over time. Alexandra Hayes, a senior and club president of the Environmental Protection Association at SHS, describes methods anyone can do to help save the mangroves. “We can work with colleges and other associations who are already working to stop mangrove losses. For example, we can grow mangroves at home and donate them to colleges, UCF being one of them, as well as participating in mangrove cleanups. Also, we can sign petitions to let our message be known, and even create a legislation bill to conserve the mangroves.” Ultimately, Hayes’s advice is to “try your hardest to make your message known.”
Although it may be easy to forget about the mangroves, it is crucial that collective actions are taken to protect the mangroves forests. Without the forests, Florida will suffer, ecosystems will collapse, and coast lines will be destroyed. Sign every petition out there, educate others on mangroves importance, and do not stop fighting for protection!