Mangroves receive an abundant supply of fresh water and perform important functions such as filtering out pollution, holding sediments, protecting the shoreline from erosion and providing habitat for a variety of animals.
The most biologically diverse of all the lagoon and estuary communities. They provide habitat for at hundreds of fish, reptile, amphibian, mammal and bird species. Commercial fishermen also depend on mangroves for the production of lobster, shrimp and snapper. Mangroves can be very susceptible to coastal development and pollution.
Mangroves are an important area for juvenile sea turtles, they often are found hiding and find food among the roots.
