Beautiful blue sky above mangroves
Mangroves are one of the most economically important features of Belize's marine ecosystem.
Mangroves protect coastal areas from erosion and wave-induced damage, while also providing critical habitat and nursery grounds for a wide variety of marine organisms, many of which have important recreational or commercial value.
The mangroves filter and clean the water and remove pollutants being deposited in waters near coral reefs. Mangroves are very sturdy and form a protective barrier between the sea and inland areas in the event of severe weather such as a hurricane.
They act as feeding and nursery grounds for approximately 74 species of fish and 178 bird species. They provide habitat for 11 species of amphibians, 30 reptile species and 40 species of mammals. They stabilize soil and serve to dissipate wave energy. Mangroves provide many important ecological and physical functions and despite their importance and the legislation that protects them, it is not surprising to learn that the overall mangrove cover in Belize is decreasing, as this is a worldwide trend.
Photograph by Oceana Belize
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