Click for Larger View*Grant Dawson's earth
friendly endangered species collectionKnown as the "rainforest of the sea" and "walking trees". Mangroves
have been able to evolve and thrive in the harsh environments of
brackish water and changing tides by their ability to obtain freshwater
from saltwater. It takes approximately 50-75 years for a Mangrove
forest to mature and with over 50 species of Mangroves in existence,
they contribute to the overall health of the coastal fisheries, slowing
erosion, and providing a protected environment for a tremendous amount
of wildlife and aquatic habitat. However, it is estimated that we have
lost over 50% of the world's Mangrove forest in recent years.
Pollution, development from expanding industries, and the overabundance
of prawn farming have resulted in mass Mangrove destruction across the
globe. Ironically, some fish farms are unable to sustain themselves due
to the loss of biodiversity the Mangroves provided. This loss has
caused the destabilization of the complex ecosystems Mangroves help
protect.