Mangrove forests are the dominant vegetation of tropical and subtropical
coasts.They are among the most productive, but also the
most endangered ecosystems. Mangroves are natural barriers which
protect coastlines from erosion and adjacent coral reefs and sea
grass beds from the input of terrestrial sediments.They fix large
amounts of carbon dioxide and also serve as nursery sites, feeding
grounds and protection areas for many fish and crustacean species,
as well as mammals and birds.