Mangroves and Marsh Habitat
Mangroves are marine tropical woody plants that are generally found within the intertidal zone of the coast. Mangroves provide many valuable ecosystem services including: prevention of shoreline erosion, reduction of storm surge, sequestration of carbon in biomass and soils, and cycling of nutrients. These coastal plants also provide valuable habitat for many species including numerous commercially and recreationally important fishery species and a variety of migratory and resident birds. Mangrove ecosystems offer additional value by facilitating recreational and tourism activities such as bird watching and kayaking and are even used in some places for bee-keeping.
Along the Texas coast, the black mangrove (Avicennia germinans) is the dominant mangrove species and is found interspersed with salt marsh species around all MarineGEO Texas research sites. Annual sampling of this habitat type is forthcoming.
Along the Texas coast, the black mangrove (Avicennia germinans) is the dominant mangrove species and is found interspersed with salt marsh species around all MarineGEO Texas research sites. Annual sampling of this habitat type is forthcoming.
