Mangroves are known to serve as defense for coastal communities for they can serve as buffer against sea level rise and typhoons, provided they maintain their elevation capital and extent across the shoreline. This is due to the complexity in the networks and structures formed by their underground roots, which can slow down water and wind velocity. The trees can also stabilize sediments and create suitable faunal habitat.
Organic matter that has built up surrounding the mangrove roots also provide food and substrate, supporting a wide array of organisms such as fish, crabs, and gastropods. In effect, humans can also depend on mangroves for food consumption, as they collect shells and fish from nearby areas.
Mangrove Ecology 