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Patches of undulating seagrass often grow just offshore from mangrove forests. This abundant plant grows in clear, shallow, sunlit water and is one of the few flowering plants that blooms underwater. Seagrass beds serve as nurseries and feeding grounds for juvenile fish, lobster, shrimp and other marine species, many of which move to coral reefs or deeper water upon reaching adulthood.
Mangroves, seagrass beds and coral reefs are often linked in a single system. Mangroves filter pollutants and trap sediments that would otherwise smother seagrass and coral. Seagrass also creates clean water for coral reef inhabitants by blocking the flow of silt and mud. In turn, coral reefs protect mangroves and seagrass from ocean storms by slowing the surging waves. All three habitats must remain healthy for each to thrive.
 | The tides carry detritus from mangrove forests out to sea, providing important nutrients for other ecosystems. © C. C. Lockwood / Bruce Coleman Inc. |
Many animals move from one shoreline habitat to another at different stages of their lives.
Barracuda, tarpon and snook often live among mangroves as juveniles, move to seagrass when older and range further afield when full-size. Without shoreline habitats to provide food and shelter, many vulnerable juveniles would not reach adulthood.
BY THE NUMBERS: Mangrove Facts
Mangroves can survive in water ten times saltier than would kill most other plants. Mangroves drop more than three tons of leaves per acre into water each year, providing food and shelter for many other species. About 90 percent of the commercially caught fish species in south Florida depend on mangrove forests in some way for food or habitat. Mangrove seedlings sometimes float more than 1,000 miles before taking root.
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