In celebration of the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem on July 26, a recent Manila Bulletin feature highlighted the importance of mangroves to biodiversity, fisheries, coastal protection, and climate change mitigation. Scientists and mangrove experts, including Dr. Severino G. Salmo III of the Institute of Biology UP Diliman, emphasized that healthy mangroves provide essential habitat and food for fish. They also support coastal biodiversity, store large amounts of carbon, and protect communities from erosion and extreme weather.
Dr. Salmo explained that mangroves serve as feeding, nursery, and rearing grounds for many fish species. Their vegetation structure provides shelter while turbid waters help protect juvenile fish from predators. He further warned that the disturbance or loss of mangroves directly reduces the habitat and food available to fish, with serious implications for fisheries and coastal livelihoods.
Read full article here: Manila Bulletin – The critical role of mangroves in coastal defense and climate change mitigation
Mangrove Ecology 