Abstract
Mangrove ecosystems are faced with far more existential threats of erosion than their terrestrial counterparts. Consequences of their degradation vary from decline in edible aquatic stocks, coastal erosion and aquatic weeds invasion. Mangrove forest dynamics was assessed from multi-temporal analyses of remotely sensed satellite images (mosaics of 1989/90 and 2014/15) within 233,900 hectares. Ground-truthing was accompanied by field measurements in selected forest stands to characterize structure, estimate biomass and carbon pools. With conservation as overriding goal, a socio-economic survey was conducted to underpin the factors influencing mangrove forests over-exploitation and qualitatively assess the sensitivity of the locals to resources decline. The region recorded fifty percent loss of mangrove area during the 25-year period. Low leaf area index (1.02 - 2.52 m2·m-2) confirms canopy openness. Above-ground root biomass (kg per root) ranged between 110.67 and 382.64. The roots demonstrate capacity to fix up to 176 Mg C ha-1 with average carbon content of 46 percent. Highest carbon pools were in the Eloka-To forest stands, in near natural conditions. Despite harsh environmental conditions, potential for natural regeneration was evidenced by seedlings density (individuals per m2) up to 76. Pilot survey revealed high dependence on mangrove resources for direct income (70 percent) and daily energy needs (60 percent). Despite the heightened awareness of the impending dangers posed by mangrove deforestation and willingness to conserve, riverine communities are incapacitated by lack of viable economic alternatives. External interventions are therefore imperative to achieve conservation goals with long-term implications for climate change adaptation and mitigation.
Highlights
Mangroves are trees and shrubs limited to tropical and subtropical coastlines between 25 ̊N and 38 ̊S [1] [2], adapted to harsh conditions of growth [2] [3]
Mangrove forest cover decreased from 7863 hectares in 1989/90 to 3867 hectares in 2014/15 representing a net decrease of 3996 hectares or 50.8 (Figure 1)
It is clear from the foregoing that the integrity of the Rhizophora mangrove forests in the studied regions have been compromised
Summary
Mangroves are trees and shrubs limited to tropical and subtropical coastlines between 25 ̊N and 38 ̊S [1] [2], adapted to harsh (high salinity and anoxic) conditions of growth [2] [3] They are key ecosystems within wetlands that make immense contributions to the wellbeing of societies by their ability to attenuate coastal waves, and provide households with clean water, food, recreation, and income sources [4] [5]. These sea-land boundary ecosystems support biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation and adaptation measures. In North and Central America, the main threats are from real estate, eco-tourism development and aquaculture, while in Africa, urban encroachment, commercial exploitation and environmental pollution are the main culprits [15]
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