mangrove ecosystem

A mangrove ecosystem is the ecological community formed by mangrove trees and the organisms that depend on them.

These coastal wetlands occur in tropical and subtropical regions where salt-tolerant trees with distinctive aerial roots create habitat for fish, crustaceans, birds, and countless other species.

Mangrove ecosystems serve as nurseries for marine life, buffer coastlines against storms, and store significant amounts of carbon: The mangrove ecosystem supports the local fishing industry.