Mangrove plants and trees... Importance of mangrove ecosystems to the planet. (Comprehensive photo report with a good 2 dozen images)
Could it be that Black Skimmers, out of their playfulness, actually contribute to the propagation
of mangroves in estuarine and oceanic environments..? Over the years I often watched and sometimes photographed these birds carrying pods like the one above along the coast of SW Florida. If left alone these pods will evolve quickly into plants, bushes, trees and even forests
creating a theater for an active local fauna in and around mangrove ecosystems. And, because
of their ability to fix, store and filter Carbon (as well as toxins), they ultimately improve the quality
of water and air by reducing emissions of carbon dioxide... Simply put: The more mangroves,
the more oxygen. Much of this has been studied, discussed and written about. My humble
intent here is to add some visual drumbeat to the science. In the time since I was born,
earth’s population has almost tripled. Resources are getting thin. Global warming with coastal waters on the rise seems to be irreversible. Mangroves, often neglected and even damaged or razed, could turn into an important natural defense. They grow fast given the right conditions,
and there’s no lack of space for them. The pod below seems to have anchored in suitable
muck, while those close by are showing first green.
of mangroves in estuarine and oceanic environments..? Over the years I often watched and sometimes photographed these birds carrying pods like the one above along the coast of SW Florida. If left alone these pods will evolve quickly into plants, bushes, trees and even forests
creating a theater for an active local fauna in and around mangrove ecosystems. And, because
of their ability to fix, store and filter Carbon (as well as toxins), they ultimately improve the quality
of water and air by reducing emissions of carbon dioxide... Simply put: The more mangroves,
the more oxygen. Much of this has been studied, discussed and written about. My humble
intent here is to add some visual drumbeat to the science. In the time since I was born,
earth’s population has almost tripled. Resources are getting thin. Global warming with coastal waters on the rise seems to be irreversible. Mangroves, often neglected and even damaged or razed, could turn into an important natural defense. They grow fast given the right conditions,
and there’s no lack of space for them. The pod below seems to have anchored in suitable
muck, while those close by are showing first green.
