The Importance Of Mangroves In The Caribbean

Mangrove forests are located mainly along the tropical coastlines worldwide however, in the Caribbean there are only four types of mangrove species found in different zones depending on their ability to tolerate saline concentration. These trees possess a specialized root system which enables them to facilitate species habitat, nursery ground for juveniles, protect the coral reefs and seagrass bed from sedimentation and as a wave buffer from natural disasters. For the purpose of this literature review the importance of mangroves as nursery grounds in the Caribbean will be studied. Nurseries grounds are characterized as the habitat where juvenile reef fishes reside until they reach maturation (MacDonald, 2009). In addition, the nursery provides juveniles with protection from predation and unlimited food supply of algae and crustaceans. In the literatures reviewed the researchers sought to explain the linkage between mangroves and the role of the nursery grounds in providing protection and food for fishes in the Caribbean. Furthermore, to explain why the population of reef fishes in the Caribbean are dependent on the presence of mangrove forests. MacDonald et.al (2009) examined how two common fishes behaviour and space utilization were associated with mangrove. In support Velde et.al (2004) purported that the existence of a dense population of adult species on the reefs are directly linked to the nursery habitats that are populated by juvenile population. Meanwhile,