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
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
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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