SPREP Handbook of Field Methods for Studying Coastal Ecosystems: Mangroves

Abstract

Mangrove ecosystems are defined by the presence of woody shrubs and trees growing below the high tide level, and generally extending down to the mid-tide level. They nay comprise a variety of plane species and Support a diverse and varied fauna. Above tide level the fauna is essentially terrestrial, which below tide level it is coastal and marine, such of the flora and fauna is highly adapted Co the mangrove environment and docs not occur elsewhere but species migrate or wander into adjacent ecosystem. A number of the coastal fish and cruscaccans may migrate between the mangroves and offshore zone ac some stage during their cycle