Importance of Mangroves

• Provide habitat for more than 80% of the fish and shellfish commercial and sports fishermen seek.
• Mangrove decomposition of leaves and detritus are the building blocks of the food chain.
• Stabilize the shoreline with their roots, and block wind and wave energy during storms.
• Build 2 inches of soil annually under ideal conditions.
• Improve water quality with nutrient uptake while providing roosting and nesting sites for wading birds, including herons and egrets.