Apollo Beach in Hillsborough County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
What Role Do Mangroves Play In An Estuary?
Photographed by Sandra Hughes, January 9, 2013
1. What Role Do Mangroves Play In An Estuary? Marker
Mangroves are the basis of the estuarys food chain and are important nurseries for fish, crustaceans and shellfish. Seventy-five percent of the game fish and ninety percent of the commercial species in south Florida are dependent on mangrove ecosystems. These systems provide food for a large number of marine organisms such as snook, snapper, tarpon, jack, sheepshead, red drum, trout, oysters and shrimp.
Mangrove forests also provide valuable habitat. Mangrove branches are rookeries, or nesting areas, for large coastal birds such as brown pelicans and roseate spoonbills. Mangrove roots provide habitat for oysters, crabs, juvenile fish and barnacles.
Black Mangrove
Red Mangrove
White Mangrove
Mangrove swamps, with their specialized root systems, help prevent erosion and filter out pollution. They help protect Floridas uplands from storm winds, waves, and floods.
Southwest Florida
Water Management District
WATERMATTERS.ORG 1-800-423-1476
Alafia River Basin Board
Hillsborough River Basin Board
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Environment.
Location. 27° 47.557′ N,
this page online
Regionally, this marker is on Florida’s Tampa Bay. It is also in the American South and on the Gulf Coast. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Storm Water and the Estuary (here, next to this marker); Manatee Scar Identification (here, next to this marker); The Life Cycle of the Monarch Butterfly (here, next to this marker); Long-Legged Wading Birds Stalk the Shallows (here, next to this marker); Listen carefully to hear a manatee! (approx.
Photographed by Sandra Hughes, January 9, 2013
2. What Role Do Mangroves Play In An Estuary? Marker
Mangroves
Blending land and sea, mangroves form an interesting environment along our coastline. Hardy, tropical plants, mangroves are one of the few trees that thrive in salt water. Once considered useless, the many values of mangroves are now evident. A variety of wildlife finds food and shelter in the mangroves. Their roots help stabilize the shoreline and also filter pollutants. Graceful, long-legged wading birds build tree-top nests in their branches.
Types of Mangroves
Red mangrove, closest to the water, has arching prop roots that make it look as though the tree is walking across the surface of the water.
Black mangrove, farther, inland, is surrounded by many finger-like roots. Their leaves excrete excess salt through special glands.
White mangrove
Has thick, light green leaves, the same color on both sides.
Blending land and sea, mangroves form an interesting environment along our coastline. Hardy, tropical plants, mangroves are one of the few trees that thrive in salt water. Once considered useless, the many values of mangroves are now evident. A variety of wildlife finds food and shelter in the mangroves. Their roots help stabilize the shoreline and also filter pollutants. Graceful, long-legged wading birds build tree-top nests in their branches.
Types of Mangroves
Red mangrove, closest to the water, has arching prop roots that make it look as though the tree is walking across the surface of the water.
Black mangrove, farther, inland, is surrounded by many finger-like roots. Their leaves excrete excess salt through special glands.
White mangrove
Has thick, light green leaves, the same color on both sides.
Also see . . . What are Mangroves?. Florida Department of Environmental Protection website entry:
Worldwide, more than 50 species of mangroves exist. Of the three species found in Florida, the red mangrove (Rhizophora mangle) is probably the most well-known. It typically grows along the water's edge. The red mangrove is easily identified by its tangled, reddish roots called "prop-roots". These roots have earned mangroves the title, "walking trees". This mangrove, in particular, appears to be standing or walking on the surface of the water. (Submitted on August 3, 2017, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA.)
Credits. This page was last revised on January 10, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 3, 2017, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. This page has been viewed 382 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 3, 2017, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
