15 - Ecology and Management of New World Mangroves

Abstract

This chapter provides an overview of ecology and management of New World mangroves. The tropical low-energy marine depositional environments are colonized by salt-tolerant bushes or trees. These communities called mangroves are the tropical analog of saltmarshes. The recognition of the natural value of mangroves has emerged. This chapter identifies major mangrove-forcing functions, production and exportation patterns, structural and functional linkages, and responses to perturbations. Mangroves must not be managed in isolation but as parts of the landscape in which the management goal is the conservation of landscape functions. This requires holistic planning efforts that presuppose a considerable understanding of system functions and responses. Feedback and control loops must be incorporated to measure the results of the management strategies and allow midcourse corrections. Management of mangroves cannot be based purely on ecological considerations but social and economic factors must also be considered. Public participation and political will are essential for the success of any management effort.