L03 - Mangrove and Sea Grasses

Question 1

What is a Mangrove?

Answer 1

A mangrove is a shrub or small tree that grows in coastal areas (in salty waters).

1. The term is also used for tropical
   coastal vegetation consisting of such
   species.
2. Mangroves occur worldwide in
   the tropics and subtropics.
3. The total mangrove forest areas of the world in 2000 was 137,800 square
   kilometres.
4. They support wildlife and biodiversity, coastal aesthetics and absorb CO2 from atmosphere,

Question 2

What is the importance of Mangroves?

Answer 2

• Nursery grounds for fish, prawns, and crabs.
  – Provide a hiding place for the young animals.
• Produce leaf litter and decayed matter as food for animals in the mangrove.
• Provide protection from storm, waves, tidal currents and typhoons
  – Acts as physical barriers.
  – Roots trap and hold sediments and siltation from uplands.
• Provide shelter for migratory and local birds.
• Aquaculture and fisheries are dependent on mangrove forests.

Question 3

Why are mangroves in decline?

Answer 3

1. Conversion into fishponds and salt beds
2. Construction of dikes and/or structures to obstruct/direct waterways
3. Reclamation.
4. Pollution and siltation.
5. Overexploitation and utilization.
6. Disturbance due to fish landing activities.

Question 4

What are Sea Grass Beds?

Answer 4

1. Seagrasses are flowering plants that live submerged in the sea.

They are major component of some of the most productive
marine ecosystems.

2. There are 50 – 60 seagrass species worldwide.

Seagrasses

Question 5

What are some characteristics of Sea Bed Grass?

Answer 5

Found in shallow water to depths of 10 meters where they can photosynthesize.

• Sea grasses are found in quiet, temperate, tropical, and subtropical waters.
• Ecological importance:
  – Reduce surface erosion,
  – Provide food, & provide habitats for many marine organisms.
• Some see animals feed on sea grass (e.g. turtles, sturgeon fish,
  etc.).