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/