Mangrove Research Articles

Analisa dan Pemetaan Kepadatan Hutan Mangrove di Wilayah Pesisir Pantai Gresik

The mangrove forest ecosystem in Ujung Pangkah sub-district plays a very important role in the lives of living creatures around it. The management and use of mangrove ecosystems by people in this sub-district tends to lead to the conversion of land into ponds, whether in the form of forest or emerging land. Cutting down trees in mangrove gforests is one of the causes of abrasion in several areas in Indonesia. Apart from abrasion, there is also accretion or addition of land around the Bengawan Solo estuary which provides access to the Pangkahwetan and Pangkahkulon coasts. The aim is to analyzezchanges in the area of mangrove vegetationgin Ujungpangkah. This research uses a remote sensing method known as the resolution concept, namely spatial resolution, temporal resolution, spectral resolution, radiometric resolution and layer resolution. Quantitative observations were made of changes in mangrove forest area using Landsat -8 imagery. The location of the Ujungpangkah ground is based on the conditions of the study location, in accordance with the results of initial image processing. Changes in the area of mangrove vegetation when viewed from remote sensing results in 2023 and 2024 experience visible differences, the distribution of mangroves will increase in 2024, namely there will be an increase in the area of vegetation. The distribution area of mangroves always changes every year. Either in the form of addition or reduction of area. Things that can affect the extent of mangrove distribution include 2 types of damage to the mangrove ecosystem in Ujung Pangkah District, namely abrasion and deforestation. The efforts made to overcome this problem include starting mangrove planting activities in the Banyuurip Mangrove Center (BMC) area. The results of data processing from the 2023 RBI map in Ujungpangkah District recorded a total area of ​​11904.93052 ha. The area is divided into several land uses, namely Mangrove covering an area of ​​1253.24609 ha and Non-Mangrove covering an area of ​​1525.32660 ha. Meanwhile, processing data from Lansat-8 in 2024 in Ujungpangkah District, the total area was recorded at 11904.93052 ha. Mangrove land use was recorded at 10651.68443 ha and non-mangrove land at 10379.60392 ha.

Unveiling Relationships: Enhancing Sustainability of Golpata (Nipa Palm) Through Socio‐Ecological Systems Management in the Sundarbans Mangrove Forest

ABSTRACTThis study explores the social‐ecological dynamics of common pool resource (CPR) management in the Sundarbans mangrove forest in Bangladesh. We focus on golpata (Nypa fruticans), a vital CPR for local communities. A social‐ecological systems (SESs) framework was employed to assess the relationships between social (actors and governance) and ecological (resource system and resource unit) dimensions and their influence on the sustainability of golpata management. Data on 12 variables and 24 indicators were collected within the Chadpai range of the Sundarbans. Results revealed both positive and negative relationships between the SES dimensions. Positive correlations were found between the resource system and resource unit, and between governance and both resource system and unit (albeit weaker). Conversely, negative correlations emerged between actors and both resource systems and units, suggesting a potential disconnect between community user practices and resource sustainability. Based on these findings, the study recommends four distinct management scenarios tailored to specific SES regions within the Sundarbans. These scenarios emphasize strengthening governance frameworks, enhancing stakeholder engagement, and implementing targeted ecological interventions to improve the sustainability of golpata resources. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the social‐ecological complexities of golpata management in the Sundarbans. The findings can inform policymakers in developing effective strategies for sustainable resource use and community livelihoods within this critical ecosystem.

Economic Valuation of Ecosystem Services of Coastal Area of Kinondoni District, Tanzania

This study investigates the often overlooked economic values of ecosystem services in the coastal area of Kinondoni District, Tanzania, in the context of spatial and temporal changes in land use and land cover (LULC). The primary objectives were to assess how ecosystem services and functions have been affected by LULC changes over a 30-year period, from 1993 to 2023. The study employs a benefit transfer method, integrating local and global estimations of ecosystem service value (ESV) with field survey, remote sensing and GIS techniques. The findings reveal that the annual changes in ESV during the study period are estimated at US$ 0.024 million and US$ 0.034 million using local and global coefficients, respectively. Over the three decades, there has been a significant annual loss of US$ 0.72 million locally and US$ 2.11 million globally, primarily due to the degradation of mangrove forests and bushland. The decline in ecosystem functions is largely driven by reductions in regulating services, which account for 54.1% of the total decrease in local valuations and 31.6% in global valuations. Supporting services also experienced substantial declines, with reductions of 39.7% in local valuations and 55.8% in global valuations. The study underscores the urgent need to review and enhance management and conservation strategies to ensure the sustainability of the coastal ecosystems in Kinondoni District, Tanzania.

The Change Detection of Mangrove Forests Using Deep Learning with Medium-Resolution Satellite Imagery: A Case Study of Wunbaik Mangrove Forest in Myanmar

This paper presents the development of a U-Net model using four basic optical bands and SRTM data to analyze changes in mangrove forests from 1990 to 2024, with an emphasis on the impact of restoration programs. The model, which employed supervised learning for binary classification by fusing multi-temporal Landsat 8 and Sentinel-2 imagery, achieved a superior accuracy of 99.73% for the 2020 image classification. It was applied to predict the long-term mangrove maps in Wunbaik Mangrove Forest (WMF) and to detect the changes at five-year intervals. The change detection results revealed significant changes in the mangrove forests, with 29.3% deforestation, 5.75% reforestation, and −224.52 ha/yr of annual rate of changes over 34 years. The large areas of mangrove forests have increased since 2010, primarily due to naturally recovered and artificially planted mangroves. Approximately 30% of the increased mangroves from 2015 to 2024 were attributed to mangrove plantations implemented by the government. This study contributes to developing a deep learning model with multi-temporal and multi-source imagery for long-term mangrove monitoring by providing accurate performance and valuable information for effective conservation strategies and restoration programs.

Measuring fisheries outcomes from coastal wetland restoration: a review and meta‐analysis

Coastal wetlands, including saltmarshes, mangrove forests, and seagrass meadows, can support fisheries by providing habitat and exporting food and nutrients to adjacent or distant ecosystems. However, there is insufficient understanding about the extent to which wetland restoration can benefit fishery species. Here, we report qualitative and quantitative reviews of literature to evaluate the approaches used to measure or estimate fisheries outcomes of coastal wetland restoration and test for the effects of restoration on fisheries outcomes. Most studies focused on saltmarshes and mangroves, with fewer studies focussing on seagrasses. We found that effects of wetland restoration on fish populations have mainly been assessed for species that reside in coastal wetlands for at least part of their life cycle, while few studies have tested effects on fish populations via trophic subsidies. Moreover, few studies have directly assessed the effects of restoration on fisheries production. Instead, most studies have measured abundances of individual species at restored sites and compared those to undisturbed and/or disturbed areas. Restored areas contained similar fish densities to undisturbed or disturbed areas; but few studies compared restored areas to both undisturbed and disturbed areas at the same time. Overall, we did not find consistent and robust evidence for fisheries outcomes from wetland restoration projects because (1) there were not many studies, (2) the studies reported substantial variability in outcomes, and (3) the density of fish measured at a restoration site is not an accurate measure of the total fisheries benefit as adult fishes do not always reside in the restored habitat.

Chromosome-scale genome assembly of the mangrove climber species Dalbergia candenatensis

Consisting of trees, climbers and herbs exclusively in the intertidal environments, mangrove forest is one of the most extreme and vulnerable ecosystems of our planet and has long been of great interest for biologists and ecologists. Here, we first assembled the chromosome-scale genome of a climber mangrove plant, Dalbergia candenatensis. The assembled genome size is approximately 474.55 Mb, with a scaffold N50 of 48.1 Mb, a complete BUSCO score of 98.4%, and a high LTR Assembly Index value of 21. The genome contained 283.46 Mb (59.74%) repetitive sequences, and 29,554 protein-coding genes were predicted, of which 87.54% were functionally annotated in five databases. The high-quality genome assembly and annotation presented herein provide a valuable genomic resource that will expedite genomic and evolutionary studies of mangrove plants and facilitate the elucidation of molecular mechanisms underlying the salt- and water-logging-tolerance of mangrove plants.

Rekayasa Teknik Guludan sebagai Upaya Rehabilitasi Ekosistem Mangrove di Ekowisata Pantai Alam Serdang Bahari, Pantai Labu, Sumatera Utara

Abrasion at Alam Serdang Bahari Beach (ASB) is increasingly worrying, causing the reduction of mangrove forests on the coast. ASB Beach is located in Regemuk Village, Labu Beach. The ASB Mangrove Forest Farmers Group (KTHM) has made many efforts to continue to exist morally and materially to survive in the ecotourism industry and is trying to re-green the beaches to minimize the impact of abrasion. The results of a field assessment involving lecturers, village officials, and KTHM ASB obtained a roadmap for a sustainable development village with a solution to prevent prolonged abrasion using the simplest and most economical way through engineered bund techniques to protect mangrove plants and also act as a wave breaker. Implementing this PKM aims to make new efforts to plant mangrove trees as coastal abrasion protection. Implementing activities uses a participatory action research (PAR) approach. KTHM, as the partner, carried out the construction of the bund enclosure, and the PKM team was the drafter and supervisor. The results of the PKM implementation are three plots of bunds in the shape of a ship's bow as an effort to break the beach waves using the Rhizopora sp. propagules collected from mangrove seeds by KTHM ASB. This innovation is still early to assess because it requires ongoing monitoring. It is hoped that this effort will better protect newly planted mangrove plants from fierce waves and abrasion as a joint effort to prevent abrasion on ASB Beach.

Analysis of local community ecological knowledge on mangrove ecotourism development in Donggala Regency, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia

The mangrove area in Donggala Regency is a unique and potential area, but the area tends to be threatened by increasing mining activities in the area. Management of the mangrove area in Donggala Regency as an ecotourism area is an alternative form as an innovative effort to maintain environmental functions as a provider of environmental services in order to remain sustainable. This study was aimed at analyzing the Local Community Ecological Knowledge (LCEK) pertaining to mangrove ecosystems and ecotourism development in Donggala Regency. The study used a survey method, utilizing the analysis of the tourism suitability index (IKW) and the carrying capacity of the area (DDK). Community knowledge and perceptions were based on a Likert scale scoring system. The results of the study and the discussion showed that people in Donggala Regency had local ecological knowledge of mangrove forests, especially mangrove habitats, mangrove damage factors and the impact of mangrove damage was better than the function of mangroves. Utilization of mangrove ecosystems in Donggala Regency is very diverse, ranging from the utilization of mangrove stems, fruits, leaves and roots and fishery products such as small fish and shellfish. The community's understanding of ecotourism activities was very good and they agreed with the ecotourism activities that were carried out.

Optimizing Ecotourism Management Strategies for Mangrove Forests: A Maqashid Sharia Approach in Batu Bara Regency

Mangrove ecotourism was developed to promote the welfare of local communities by leveraging natural resources in a sustainable manner. This study investigated strategies to increase visitor numbers to Batu Bara Mangrove Park (BBMP) and improve the socio-economic conditions of the surrounding community. A descriptive mixed method was utilized, employing SWOT (Strength, Weakness, Opportunity, Threat) analysis to analyze data collected through interviews, observations, and questionnaires. The research sought to understand key factors contributing to the growth in visitor numbers while addressing challenges faced by park management. Additionally, the study included a welfare analysis based on the principles of Maqashid As-Syariah, which provided an Islamic perspective unique to this research. The findings identified various strategies that could be implemented to better meet visitor needs and preferences, enhancing the overall visitor experience. These strategies focused on improving facilities, services, and aligning development efforts with tourist expectations. By doing so, BBMP could establish itself as a more appealing and sustainable ecotourism destination. The study concluded that addressing visitor satisfaction through tailored development strategies not only holds the potential to increase tourism but also significantly contributes to the economic and social welfare of the local community. This research offers valuable insights into the sustainable management of ecotourism in similar regions.

Determination of Total Flavonoid Content from Extract and Fractions of Mangrove Leaves (Rhizopora mucronata)

Indonesia is an archipelagic country with a very wide coastal area. Lombok Island has a coastal area with quite extensive mangrove forest areas. Rhizopora mucronata was the most dominant species found in the region. The Rhizopora mucronata species was a plant from the Rhizoporaceae family reported to have antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant activity. These biological activities were caused by the presence of secondary metabolite compounds in R. mucronata, one of which is flavonoids. Research regarding the flavonoid content of R. mucronata leaves has not been explored. Therefore, the study aimed to determine the total flavonoid content in extracts and fractions of R. mucronata leaves using the spectrophotometric UV-Vis method. R. mucronata mangrove leaves simplicia were extracted using the sonication method using 96% ethanol solvent, then fractionated using the liquid-liquid extraction method with n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and water. The percentage yield of 96% ethanol extract, water fraction, ethyl acetate fraction, and n-hexane fraction respectively were 42.33%; 43.147%; 40.49%; 9.74%; and 32.49%. The TLC test showed the presence of flavonoid compounds detected in the extract and fractions which were marked with blue spots. The total flavonoid contents in the 96% ethanol extract, water fraction, ethyl acetate fraction, and n-hexane fraction were respectively (12,980; 14,160; 23,880; and 25,350) mg Quercetin equivalent/gram sample (mg QE/ g). The total flavonoid content of the extract and fractions of R. mucronata leaves were analyzed using the One-way ANOVA test method. The total flavonoid content in the n-hexane fraction and ethyl acetate fraction was significantly higher than the 96% ethanol extract and water fraction. The total flavonoid content of R. mucronata leaves was relatively high, which contributes to several of its biological activities.

Comparison of the Potential of Mangrove Forests as an Estimate of Carbon Stocks : A Review

Global warming is an increase in carbon dioxide gas (CO2) and other gases in the earth's atmosphere, which will make the earth's atmosphere retain more heat coming from the sun. This study aimed to determine the highest carbon stock ratio from various areas with mangrove forest areas. This research was conducted using the grid route method by collecting data from a literature study from different locations in the mangrove forest. The research results obtained that the highest average carbon stock in various regions of Indonesia which has the highest mangrove forest conservation is the Mangrove Area in Pasar Banggi Rembang Village of 737.2 tons/ha with three stations whose species names consist of Rhizophora apiculata, Rhizophora stylosa, and Rhizophora mucronata. High and low carbon content, density, and mangrove species in mangrove leaf litter were influenced by the rate of litter production. This production rate will later affect the high low carbon content in mangrove leaf litter.

Analysis of Mangrove Forest Management in Teluk Lembar, West Lombok, Indonesia

Mangrove forests in Teluk Lembar, West Lombok, have an important role in ecological balance and socio-economic benefits. However, these ecosystems face pressure from land conversion for ponds, illegal logging, and pollution. This study aims to describe the condition of mangroves, analyze the socio-economic aspects of the community and the role of stakeholders, assess the value of direct benefits of mangroves, and formulate sustainable management strategies. The results showed significant biodiversity, with 14 species of mangroves and 53 species of fauna, including 44 species of birds. The bird ecological index showed diversity (H') 32, uniformity (E) 0.8, and dominance (D) 0.7, which signified ecosystem stability. However, a serious threat comes from the conversion of land for ponds, houses, factories, and ports. Of the 1703.19 ha of the total area area, only 179.44 ha (10.54%) of mangrove forests remain. Waste pollution, such as mercury and copper levels that exceed the limit, also negatively impacts the ecosystem. Based on the SWOT analysis, the proposed mangrove management strategy includes: (a) strengthening community capacity in mangrove management through training and education, (b) increasing collaboration between stakeholders to strengthen regulation and law enforcement, (c) optimizing economic benefits through the development of mangrove-based ecotourism, and (d) implementing sustainable management practices to maintain a balance between conservation and utilization

An overview on the production, management and impact of microplastic contamination on marine species and marine environments: A review

The purpose of this paper is to review and evaluate published literature on the production, management and impact of microplastic contamination on marine species and marine environments. A systematic method was utilized to access research works of literature on “production, management and impact of microplastic contamination on marine species and marine environments”. A total of Sixty-two (62) research papers published between the years 1972 to 2022 was accumulated and used for this review. A subjective approach was used to select the topics: production, management and impact of microplastic contamination. In this paper, four (4) effects of microplastics on organisms and the environment was assessed. Additionally, the formation and classification of microplastics were evaluated. Subsequently, the paper delves into the production and the management of global plastic production as well as the sources of contamination. Further, this review assessed the quantity of microplastics in the gastrointestinal tract and edible muscles of various fish species. A mini checklist of sixty-one (61) fish species from thirty (30) families dwelling in nine (9) different marine habitats, all contaminated by microplastics was also presented in this review. Moreover, possible solutions to overcome the impact of microplastics on organisms and aquatic environments were also mentioned in this article. The published works of literature established that the global plastic production is constantly increasing with a growing world population thus leading to mismanagement of plastic resources and introducing them to the environment. Microplastics can cause serious complications in humans, marine organisms such as fishes, crustaceans, marine mammals and sea birds and even contribute to the degradation of mangrove forests and the coastal environment. This review highlights the fact that more extensive studies on the impact of microplastic contamination in organisms and the environment should be done in neotropical countries since there is a dearth and gaps of such information on research and published data in these biodiversity rich regions.

Assessment of Landscape‐Scale Fluxes of Carbon Dioxide and Methane in Subtropical Coastal Wetlands of South Florida

AbstractCoastal wetlands play a significant role in the storage of “blue carbon,” indicating their importance in the carbon biogeochemistry in the coastal zone and in global climate change mitigation strategies. We present airborne eddy covariance observations of CO2 and CH4 fluxes collected in southern Florida as part of the NASA BlueFlux mission during April 2022, October 2022, February 2023, and April 2023. The flux data generated from this mission consists of over 100 flight hours and more than 6,000 km of horizontal distance over coastal saline and freshwater wetlands. We find that the spatial and temporal heterogeneity in CO2 and CH4 exchange is primarily influenced by season, vegetation type, ecosystem productivity, and soil inundation. The largest CO2 uptake fluxes of more than 20 μmol m−2 s−1 were observed over mangroves during all deployments and over swamp forests during flights in April. The greatest CH4 effluxes of more than 250 nmol m−2 s−1 were measured at the end of the wet season in October 2022 over freshwater marshes and swamp shrublands. Although the combined Everglades National Park and Big Cypress National Preserve region was a net sink for carbon, CH4 emissions reduced the ecosystem carbon uptake capacity (net CO2 exchange rates) by 11%–91%. Average total net carbon exchange rates during the flight periods were −4 to −0.2 g CO2‐eq m−2 d−1. Our results highlight the importance of preserving mangrove forests and point to potential avenues of further research for greenhouse gas mitigation strategies.

Biological characteristics of the uçá crab, Ucides cordatus (Crustacea: Decapoda) in a mangrove forest in the Cururupu Extractive Reserve (RESEX), Maranhão

The swamp ghost crab (Ucides cordatus) is one of Brazil's most economically important crustaceans. Due to the intense use of this resource, there are already signs of overfishing and a possible threat of extinction shortly. As a result, the present study analyzed the biometric relationships in U. cordatus, and verified the influence of environmental factors. The study was realized on Ilha de Guajerutiua in the RESEX of Cururupu between March 2016 and February 2017 to contribute to sustainable management for species conservation. For this, the influence of abiotic parameters on the biometric data of the species was analyzed. The formation of clusters of abiotic parameters between seasonal periods, the variation in weight and total width between reproductive stages and the variation in width and total weight in relation to seasonal periods and sex of the specimens were verified. The months considered as 'rainy period' presented, on average, 218.9 mm of rainfall and 1.19º C of temperature more than the months considered as 'dry period,' while the dry period months had, on average, 3.47 PSU of salinity more than the months of the rainy season. specimins were larger and heavier in the rainy season. In general, males were larger than females in size and weight for the entire period. The allometry between reproductive stages and seasonal periods was negative, demonstrating that these individuals are spending more energy growing in width. According to the data observed in this study, this species is in a good state of conservation in the studied area.

Space-Based Mapping of Pre- and Post-Hurricane Mangrove Canopy Heights Using Machine Learning with Multi-Sensor Observations

Coastal mangrove forests provide numerous ecosystem services, which can be disrupted by natural disturbances, mainly hurricanes. Canopy height (CH) is a key parameter for estimating carbon storage. Airborne Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) is widely viewed as the most accurate method for estimating CH but data are often limited in spatial coverage and are not readily available for rapid impact assessment after hurricane events. Hence, we evaluated the use of systematically acquired space-based Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and optical observations with airborne LiDAR to predict CH across expansive mangrove areas in South Florida that were severely impacted by Category 3 Hurricane Irma in 2017. We used pre- and post-Irma LiDAR-derived canopy height models (CHMs) to train Random Forest regression models that used features of Sentinel-1 SAR time series, Landsat-8 optical, and classified mangrove maps. We evaluated (1) spatial transfer learning to predict regional CH for both time periods and (2) temporal transfer learning coupled with species-specific error correction models to predict post-Irma CH using models trained by pre-Irma data. Model performance of SAR and optical data differed with time period and across height classes. For spatial transfer, SAR data models achieved higher accuracy than optical models for post-Irma, while the opposite was the case for the pre-Irma period. For temporal transfer, SAR models were more accurate for tall trees (>10 m) but optical models were more accurate for short trees. By fusing data of both sensors, spatial and temporal transfer learning achieved the root mean square errors (RMSEs) of 1.9 m and 1.7 m, respectively, for absolute CH. Predicted CH losses were comparable with LiDAR-derived reference values across height and species classes. Spatial and temporal transfer learning techniques applied to readily available spaceborne satellite data can enable conservation managers to assess the impacts of disturbances on regional coastal ecosystems efficiently and within a practical timeframe after a disturbance event.

Optimalisasi Potensi Wisata Desa Serangan Melalui Pendekatan Berkelanjutan: Studi Kasus Menggunakan Metode TOWS, EFAS, dan IFAS

Serangan Village in Denpasar, Bali, is recognized as an innovative tourist destination, having won the 2023 Anugerah Desa Wisata award. This recognition is supported by a variety of attractions such as Pura Sakenan, Asyuhada Mosque, Melasti Beach, mangrove forests, the Turtle Conservation and Education Center (TCEC), local traditions, and unique culinary offerings. This study aims to identify the internal (strengths and weaknesses) and external (opportunities and threats) factors affecting Serangan Village and to formulate strategies for sustainable tourism development based on the four main pillars of sustainable tourism destination criteria according to Minister of Tourism Regulation No.9 of 2021. A qualitative descriptive method using TOWS analysis, EFAS, and IFAS matrices was employed, with data collected through observation, interviews, and documentation. The results indicate that Serangan Village is in quadrant III, highlighting the need for effective strategies to optimize opportunities and address internal weaknesses. The strategy formulation results include leveraging the Bappenas Masterplan to build stakeholder collaboration, participating in training from the Denpasar City Tourism Office, forming a tourism impact monitoring team, implementing sustainable governance policies, utilizing social media for surveys and feedback, and developing policies for cultural asset protection and animal welfare to support sustainable tourism growth in Serangan Village.

Benthic Community Metrics Track Hydrologically Stressed Mangrove Systems

Mangrove restoration efforts have increased in order to help combat their decline globally. While restoration efforts often focus on planting seedlings, underlying chronic issues, including disrupted hydrological regimes, can hinder restoration success. While improving hydrology may be more cost-effective and have higher success rates than planting seedlings alone, hydrological restoration success in this form is poorly understood. Restoration assessments can employ a functional equivalency approach, comparing restoration areas over time with natural, reference forests in order to quantify the relative effectiveness of different restoration approaches. Here, we employ the use of baseline community ecology metrics along with stable isotopes to track changes in the community and trophic structure and enable time estimates for establishing mangrove functional equivalency. We examined a mangrove system impacted by road construction and recently targeted for hydrological restoration within the Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Florida, USA. Samples were collected along a gradient of degradation, from a heavily degraded zone, with mostly dead trees, to a transition zone, with a high number of saplings, to a full canopy zone, with mature trees, and into a reference zone with dense, mature mangrove trees. The transition, full canopy, and reference zones were dominated by annelids, gastropods, isopods, and fiddler crabs. Diversity was lower in the dead zone; these taxa were enriched in 13C relative to those found in all the other zones, indicating a shift in the dominant carbon source from mangrove detritus (reference zone) to algae (dead zone). Community-wide isotope niche metrics also distinguished zones, likely reflecting dominant primary food resources (baseline organic matter) present. Our results suggest that stable isotope niche metrics provide a useful tool for tracking mangrove degradation gradients. These baseline data provide critical information on the ecosystem functioning in mangrove habitats following hydrological restoration.

A contemporary analysis of policy implementation for the coastal mangrove forest management in Bangladesh Sundarbans

Despite having more than 200 environmental laws and policies in Bangladesh, the overall ecological situation is almost beyond control. Relying on both primary and secondary sources of data, particularly the legal texts, this study delves into analysing the legal frameworks of Bangladesh pertaining to wildlife and biodiversity conservation in the Sundarbans mangrove forest (SMF). This study finds that the lack of implementation of stringent provisions is one of the key reasons for the failure to successfully conserve biological diversity in the SMF. The other reason that heavily accelerates environmental crimes in Bangladesh is the less severe punishment compared to other crimes. This study result reveals that the Animal Welfare Act 2019 imposes a mere BDT 10,000 (USD 116) for harming any animal. This study also finds that the Environment Court Act 2010 strives to expand environmental governance in every district, but the absolute authority of the Department of Environment (DoE) and its limited resources hinder such lavish expansion. Although the government has revised many outdated laws and policies and enacted new laws such as Bangladesh Environment Conservation Act 1995 (2023), Forest Act 2023, and Forest Conservation Act 2023, evidence indicates that most of the provisions were not successfully implemented due to overlaps with other laws and loopholes within the laws. In addition, complex bureaucratic systems significantly hamper the administration system in forest management. Furthermore, the Director General (DG) of the DoE’s sole authority often sparked concerns regarding the transparency and accountability of this department. Therefore, this paper examines the domestic legal system of Bangladesh for conserving biodiversity in the SMF.

Metal contamination in mangrove tissues, seeds, and associated sediments from the Vattanam mangrove forest of Palk Bay, southeastern India: An ecological risk assessment

In the present work, the concentrations of toxic heavy metals in mangrove sediments, mangrove leaves, and seeds collected from five stations in the Vattanam mangrove of Palk Bay, southeastern India, as well as the effects of the monsoon season on toxic heavy metals concentrations were determined. The concentrations were 17.5 μg/g for zinc (Zn), 9.11 μg/g for copper (Cu), and 6.03 μg/g for lead (Pb) in sediments; 10.71 μg/g (Zn) and 8.94 μg/g (Cu) in mangrove leaves; and 26.24 μg/g (Zn) and 17.01 μg/g (Cu) in mangrove seeds. At all sampling stations, the Cd concentration was below the limit of detection. These mangroves seem to have adapted successfully to their environment given their selective intake of only essential metals (Cu and Zn) and the restricted movement of non-essential metals (Cd and Pb). The concentrations of metals were below the maximum residual limits regulated by national and international standard limits.