What is it? 

Mangroves are unique coastal trees and shrubs that thrive in tropical and subtropical regions where land meets the sea. They can survive in areas with fluctuating tides and saline conditions, but they grow best in sheltered coastlines, estuaries, and river mouths. These ecosystems are vital to Florida’s natural landscape, adding resilience and beauty to the state’s coastal environments. 

Mangroves face growing threats from natural hazards. Sea level rise may push saltwater inland, altering freshwater flows, and squeezing marshes between the ocean and human development. This shift is already happening, leading to saltwater intrusion that contaminates drinking water wells and transforms habitats from sawgrass marshes to mangrove forests or open water. These changes endanger species like the Cape Sable seaside sparrow and disrupt the delicate balance of the Everglades, which is closely tied to the health of Florida’s coasts, fisheries, and communities. 

Experts, including Dr. Pam Soltis of the University of Florida Biodiversity Institute, emphasize that protecting mangroves is critical for both ecological and economic reasons. At the 5th Annual Florida Climate Conference in Sarasota this November, their vulnerability to a warming climate was a central theme, underscoring their vital importance. Dr. Soltis also presented plant responses to environmental shifts, providing a foundation for predicting how other species may adapt within Florida’s ecosystems. 

Their presence helps buffer storm surges, stabilize shorelines, and store carbon, making them a natural defense against climate impacts. As Florida adapts to a changing climate, mangroves stand out as a key component of resilience strategies that safeguard ecosystems and human communities alike. 

Why it matters. 

Mangrove forests act as natural barriers against extreme weather events. Their dense root systems and coastal position help absorb the force of storm surges, reducing the impact before it reaches inland communities. In Florida, regions with healthy mangrove coverage have been shown to save tens of millions of dollars annually in storm-related damages. 

Beyond their protective role, mangroves provide critical habitat for wildlife. Their intricate root networks offer shelter for young birds and serve as safe breeding grounds for fish, creating a thriving ecosystem that supports numerous species. This refuge is essential for maintaining biodiversity along Florida’s coasts. 

Scientists have confirmed that mangroves are a cost-effective, nature-based solution for disaster mitigation. By reducing hurricane storm-surge losses, these forests deliver measurable economic benefits while simultaneously preserving natural landscapes. Their presence underscores the value of investing in ecological resilience. 

Mangroves also play a vital role in stabilizing shorelines and preventing erosion. Their roots bind soil together, while above-ground structures slow water flow and encourage sediment buildup. This process not only protects coastal areas from erosion but also improves water quality by filtering pollutants such as nitrates and phosphates from rivers and streams. 

Mangrove ecosystems contribute to climate regulation and community well-being. They capture and store large amounts of carbon dioxide in their waterlogged soils, acting as long-term carbon sinks. In addition, they offer recreational opportunities such as kayaking, birdwatching, and fishing, while supporting local economies through commercial fisheries. These benefits make mangroves indispensable for both environmental health and human enjoyment. 

What you can do!

You can help reduce the human impact on mangrove forests by: 

  • Say no to single-use plastic. Often, plastic pollution covers the roots of mangrove plants, starving them of oxygen. 
  • Choose sustainable seafood. Look for the blue Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) label on seafood products. 
  • Dispose of waste properly. A build-up of nitrogen in our waterways, from fertilizer, sewage, fuel, and solid waste, leads to algal blooms that deprive fish and plants of oxygen. 

Get Involved: 

  • Save the date for the 2026 Hurricane Forecast Day with the Climate Adaptation Center at the University of South Florida, Sarasota-Manatee Campus, Selby Auditorium, on Thursday, April 23rd. 
  • Attend Adoption Day with the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation at Bailey Homestead Preserve on Friday, December 12th from 9:00am-11:00am.