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MRC-Stormwater Runoff Big Polluter of the IRL & International Mangrove Day

mrc_trees__mangroves_and_development_july_2020.mp3
Dr. Leesa Souto, Executive Director of the Marine Resources Council talks about International Mangrove day and how planting a tree helps the Lagoon.

Why are mangroves important?

Mangroves are prolific trees that contribute to the wellbeing, food security, and protection of coastal communities worldwide. They provide a valuable nursery habitat for fish and crustaceans, act as a form of natural coastal defense against storm surges, rising sea levels and erosion. Mangroves filter water, consuming large amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus and carbon.

Mangroves are disappearing three to five times faster than overall global forest losses, with serious ecological and socio-economic impacts. Because of the rapid growth of Florida's population and the coastal development brought by this growth, up to 85% of the mangroves in the Indian River Lagoon have either been destroyed or made inaccessible through impoundments and mosquito control ditches. 

Currently mangroves are protected by law in Florida to prevent future losses. MRC is engaged deeply in supporting the conservation of mangroves and has over 30 years’ experience in farming and repopulating Florida's truest native trees. Only with your help can we replenish our lost mangroves. 

 

more info at www.savetheirl.org   https://savetheirl.org/

Terri Wright held the position of General Manager at WFIT from 1998-2023.