World Wetlands Day- Mangroves of Trinidad and Tobago

WHAT ARE MANGROVES
Mangroves are very unique trees found in these coastal areas that have adapted to thrive in harsh conditions. They have the ability to survive both in salt and freshwater, unlike any other tree species. Mangroves have a unique filtration system to remove most of the salt from the water and have adapted to the low oxygen conditions of the soil.
WHERE ARE MANGROVES FOUND ?
Mangrove can be found in the coastal wetlands of Trinidad and Tobago. Approximately 70% percent of the mangroves on the western coast are found in the Caroni Swamp, whilst the remainder are distributed amongst smaller wetland systems . In Tobago, mangroves are mainly concentrated in the southwestern end of the island which includes the Bon Accord Lagoon, Buccoo Bay and Kilgwyn swamp. It is estimated that mangrove forests cover approximately 90 square kilometers in Trinidad and 2 square kilometers in Tobago.
Management of mangrove forests in Trinidad and Tobago falls under the ambit of the Forestry Division where wetlands that are declared prohibited areas and wildlife sanctuaries under the forest act chapter 66:01 are constantly patrolled and monitored for illegal activites
The Caroni Swamp is not only one of the largest mangrove forest on the island but is also the second largest wetland in Trinidad and is protected under the Ramsar Convention as a wetland of international importance. This swamp runs along the banks of the Caroni River and contains numerous channels of brackish and saline lagoons with intertidal mudflats. The central section of the swamp is designated as a wildlife sanctuary and is home to one of Trinidad's national bird, the Scarlet Ibis, together with over 100 other avian species.
The Nariva Swamp is the largest freshwater wetland in Trinidad and has also been designated a Wetland of International Importance. The swamp is located on the eastern coast of Trinidad, immediately inland from the Manzanilla Bay where its mangrove forests can be found growing where conditions are more saline.
The Bon Accord Lagoons mangrove forest is the largest remaining mangrove sytem in southwest Tobago, and is part of a mangrove-seagrass-coral reef continuum with the red mangrove being a dominant species.This forest has been increasingly subjected to human impacts, such as pollution and encroachment for housing.

TYPES OF MANGROVES
7 types of mangrove species have been reported in Trinidad and 4 types in Tobago. The 3 major species commonly found are the Red, White and Black mangrove which ironically reflects the colours of our national flag.
The Red mangrove (Rhizophora mangle) has reddish prop roots that originate from the trunk growing downwards thus stabalizing the tree and supplying oxygen to the underground roots. Seeds sprout into pencil shaped propagules that drops into the water either germinating next to the parents or can be carried away by the tides to another suitable habitat.
The Black mangrove (Avicennia germinans) is identified by its dark bark and long slender trunk with cable like roots projecting out of the sediments. These roots are called Pneumatophores or breathing roots which acts like snorkels allowing for gaseos exchange.
The White Mangrove (Laguncularia racemosa) occupies higher land and unlike the red and black mangroves, these dont have visible aerial roots.They grow as a shrub and are least salt tolerant.

SERVICES OF MANGROVES
Mangrove ecosystems provides services that are essential for life. Mangroves support food production by sustaining fisheries, supply minor forest products and promote a sustainable livelihood to the local community. Their massive root system acts as a storm buffer by dissipating wave energy from tsunamis and hurricanes thus preventing shoreline erosion and as a result, regulate coastal water quality.
Mangroves weather the impact of climate change by removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, making them one of the planet's best carbon scrubbers. It is estimated that the worlds mangrove forests sequester approximately 24 million metric tons of carbon in the soil per year, thats three to five times more than tropical forests.
Mangroves serve as a safe haven for marine life, the tangled maze of roots create a confusing shallow labyrinth where many animals take refuge in this protective fort . Within the calm sheltered waters of the mangroves, away from predators, the juvenile fish and invertebrates find food, nutrients and safety therefore without mangroves, nursery life in the nearby reefs would be in trouble.
THREATS TO MANGROVES
Mangroves face serious threats, and have been declining during the last decade. More than 50 percent of wetlands have disappeared because of flawed developmental activities.
In Trinidad, mangroves have been negatively impacted in a number of ways, such as solid waste dumping, reclamation for agriculture, industrialization and coastal construction.