Mangrove Forests

About 80 species of mangrove trees guard tropical coastlines, holding mud in place and softening storm surges.

Image: NASA.

Last reviewed: 1 source cited

Explain Like I'm 10

The Five W's of Mangrove Forests

Who

trees and shrubs, about 80 species worldwide.

Source: NOAA, What is a mangrove forest?

What

Salt-tolerant coastal forests that grow in low-oxygen, waterlogged soil.

Source: NOAA, What is a mangrove forest?

When

Every tide and every storm.

Source: NOAA, What is a mangrove forest?

Where

The coastal intertidal zone of tropical and subtropical shores, including Florida.

Source: NOAA, What is a mangrove forest?

Why

They protect coastlines from storms and erosion and give fish food and shelter.

Source: NOAA, What is a mangrove forest?

Impact Statement

Natural solution

Mangroves are trees and shrubs that live where land meets sea. There are about 80 species, and their tangled roots stabilize the coastline, reducing erosion from storm surges, currents, waves and tides, and attract fish seeking food and shelter. Protecting them is a forest solution and an ocean solution at once.

Source: NOAA, What is a mangrove forest?

For Further Information: NOAA, What is a mangrove forest?

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For Teachers

Discussion questions

  1. What is Mangrove Forests, and what problem does it help solve?
  2. Who is behind Mangrove Forests, and where does the work happen?
  3. How does Mangrove Forests help both people and nature? Use one fact from this page.

Sources are listed with each fact in the Five W's above.

All teacher sheets

Cite This Page

APA

Saving Planets. (n.d.). Mangrove Forests. https://www.savingplanets.com/Mangroves.html

MLA

"Mangrove Forests." Saving Planets, https://www.savingplanets.com/Mangroves.html.

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