Management of Mangrove Swamps (DP IB Geography)

Revision Note

Mangrove Swamps Characteristics

Characteristics of mangrove swamps

  • Mangrove swamps are wetlands located in coastal areas

  • They thrive in tropical or subtropical areas with a good sediment supply

  • Mangrove swamps are located in the intertidal zone

  • This means that mangrove swamps deal with regular environmental disruption, as sea levels change

  • Vegetation found in mangrove swamps is halophytic and thrives in brackish environments

  • Mangroves produce dense thickets of mangrove trees with tangled roots above the ground

  • Mangrove trees have breathing roots to absorb oxygen 

  • Some trees have buttress roots, which help to support the tree in the softer sediment 

  • These roots trap sediment, building up the land and reducing erosion

  • Due to the high saline and low oxygen environment, germination is difficult:

    • To deal with this, seeds germinate while they are still attached to the mangrove plant.

    • They float around in the water before eventually taking root

  • Mangrove forests are home to all sorts of species. They are incredibly productive environments

Diagram of mangrove swamps

Diagram showing tidal zones with trees. From left to right, the zones are labeled: Middle Zone, Inland Zone with breathing roots, and Coastal Zone.
Diagram of mangrove swamps

Mangrove Swamps Uses & Value

Uses and value of mangrove swamps

  • Mangrove swamps are extremely valuable

  • Stakeholders value and use mangrove swamps differently e.g. environmentalists, locals, fishermen etc.

  • Mangrove swamps are also under threat

  • Over half of the mangrove forests of the world no longer exist

  • Stakeholders from all perspectives must work together to reduce threats to mangrove environments

  • Coastline protection

    • Mangrove roots stabilise the sediment, slowing down wave erosion

    • Mangrove trees protect coastal areas from storm waves and tsunamis by absorbing wave energy 

    • Swamps absorb water from storm surges or rainfall, reducing coastline flooding

  • Habitats and ecosystems 

    • Mangrove swamps are rich habitats for mammals, insects and marine life

    • They are vital nesting areas, particularly for migrating birds

  • Pollution

    • Mangrove forests can trap pollutants in run-off stormwater

    • This protects coral reefs and other habitats from dangerous water pollution 

    • This also protects waterways used by locals living nearby

  • Resources

    • Mangrove swamps are rich fisheries, used in the seafood industry

    • They are vital for people’s livelihoods and access to food

    • They are ideal for medicine, charcoal and wood resources 

  • Carbon sink

    • As the sediment and soil in mangrove swamps are so nutrient-rich, they can store carbon 

    • Mangrove forests can store billions of tonnes of carbon. If this was released, it could be catastrophic for the environment 

Examiner Tip

Think about which stakeholders would benefit from mangrove swamps. Why do environmentalists benefit? Why do local populations benefit?

Threats to mangrove swamps

  • Clearing

    • Swamps are cleared for agriculture, aquaculture, farming, tourism, settlements and harbours

  • Overuse

    • Overharvesting is unsustainable and can threaten the future of mangrove swamps

    • Overfishing in the ocean can impact marine life and marine food chains in mangrove environments 

  • Water changes

    • Irrigation and damming can affect the salinity of mangrove swamps

    • With an increase in salinity, mangrove vegetation can’t survive 

    • Increased sediment from erosion caused by deforestation can choke mangrove swamps

    • Climate change is causing sea levels to rise. Mangrove swamps require stable sea levels to thrive

  • Pollution

    • Rivers can bring fertilisers or pesticides into mangrove environments, killing species 

    • Oil pollution also chokes mangrove roots, meaning the trees cannot get enough oxygen

  • Coral reef destruction 

    • Coral reefs absorb powerful wave energy

    • As coral reefs degrade, powerful waves can reach the coastline. This affects the sediment in mangrove environments

    • Nutrients and seedlings can wash away 

Examiner Tip

Make sure you know the value and effects of both mangrove swamps and coral reefs. You might be asked to compare the two or discuss the threats of both. 

Case Study: Sundarbans

Bangladesh, Sundarbans

sundarban-national-park

Map showing the location of the Sundarbans

  • This mangrove forest lies in the delta of the Bay of Bengal

  • It is roughly 10,000 square kilometres

  • It became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997

  • It is home to all kinds of species, such as the Bengal tiger, deer, crocodiles and snakes

  • The mangroves are vital for storm protection

  • They are useful for resources e.g. fish, timber and fuel wood

  • This mangrove swamp is a great example of mangrove management

Threats

  • Increased settlement and agricultural growth

  • Deforestation for food, shelter and fuel

  • Barrages or dams for irrigation 

  • Ownership difficulties with poor management plans

  • Construction of coastal embankments, affecting sediment

  • A general misunderstanding of mangrove importance 

Management strategies 

  • World Heritage Status – international law protects this mangrove environment

  • Wildlife refuge areas – this stops people from entering the area, as well as from using or damaging the land for other purposes 

  • Eco-engineering e.g. mangrove afforestation – a project beginning in 2011 saw the planting of 16 million mangrove plants. This increased protection from flooding for local settlements and brought rich biodiversity

  • Co-management – many different stakeholders can work together to support mangrove swamps. This will help to balance conservation strategies and sustainable use of mangrove environments 

  • Education – educating all stakeholders on the rules and management of mangroves is vital. Education has contributed to a new version of the Integrated Resource Management Plan (IRMP), which focuses on sustainable management of the Sundarbans

  • Spatial monitoring – spatial tools provide data on any illegal activities, patrolling and biodiversity change

  • Ecological monitoring – helping to predict threats that require responses 

  • Each year, smaller fishing camps ensure locals still have access to fish supplies

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