Mangroves and the work of MaCoBioS
Mangroves range from the northern end of the Red Sea to the North Island of New Zealand and flourish on calm subtropical and tropical shorelines in between. Surf shores are not suitable for mangroves. Though mainly located in the waters of continental Europe, the MaCoBioS project extends into the Caribbean with particular case study sites in Bonaire, Martinique and Barbados, where mangroves play an important role in protecting and feeding juvenile reef fish. In the Caribbean, mangrove forests survive cyclones while protecting the shorelines. Scars of hurricane track are visible in these forests many years after the event. Though much smaller in height and area covered than the huge forests of the Gulf of Papua, these Caribbean forests serve the island communities in numerous ways. They are particularly closely linked with the health of nearby coral reefs, act as key stepping stones for migrating birds, are recreational areas and also destinations for ecotourists. The challenge is to ensure the future supply of these ecosystem services, by taking account of the needs of this generous ecosystem in coastal zone planning.