Mangrove Science: Conservation & Restoration
Mangrove ecosystems are vital for biodiversity, coastal protection, and climate resilience across the Caribbean. At the Perry Institute for Marine Science (PIMS), we take a holistic approach to mangrove conservation and restoration, integrating research, multiple types of restoration efforts, and innovative monitoring techniques to protect and rejuvenate these critical habitats.
Research
Our research encompasses both natural and social sciences to better understand the importance of mangroves and how to address their threats.
We study the ecological role of mangrove swamps, the biodiversity they support, and their contributions to coastal resilience and carbon sequestration.
- What Are Mangroves? Mangroves are a group of salt-tolerant trees and shrubs that thrive in coastal intertidal zones. In the Caribbean, there are three main species:
- Red Mangroves (Rhizophora mangle): Recognizable by their distinctive prop roots, red mangroves grow in deeper waters and provide critical stabilization and protection for coastal areas. They are essential for the sustainability of mangrove ecosystems due to their role in coastal protection and habitat formation.
- Black Mangroves (Avicennia germinans): Known for their pneumatophores (specialized roots that stick out of the water to absorb oxygen), black mangroves typically inhabit slightly higher elevations than red mangroves. They contribute significantly to mangrove growth and resilience.
- White Mangroves (Laguncularia racemosa): Usually found at higher elevations compared to red and black mangroves, white mangroves lack specialized roots but have salt-excreting glands on their leaves. They are crucial for maintaining the overall health and diversity of mangrove ecosystems.
- Critical Ecosystems
- Mangrove ecosystems form vital links between land and sea habitats, serving as nurseries for a variety of wildlife, including economically valuable fish and shellfish species that migrate to coral reefs. Mangroves act as natural barriers against storm surges, hurricanes, tsunamis, and coastal erosion. They sequester carbon up to four times more effectively than terrestrial forests, playing a crucial role in mitigating climate change. Mangrove ecosystems also support livelihoods through popular recreational activities like bonefishing, kayaking, and snorkeling, enhancing tourism, providing jobs, and stimulating the local economy.
We investigate how local communities interact with mangrove ecosystems, their use and values, and the socio-economic benefits mangroves provide. Gathering perspectives from local communities about mangrove use, values, and changes over time helps in planning and implementing sustainable mangrove restoration methods. We’ve conducted community surveys across The Bahamas and hosted workshops to understand local perceptions about the importance of mangroves.
Restoration
Mangrove restoration involves rehabilitating and reestablishing degraded or destroyed ecosystems. Our approach includes a range of techniques tailored to specific environmental conditions and biological interactions within mangrove ecosystems.
Using propagules from the same geographic region to preserve genetic integrity. For instance, distributing red mangrove propagules collected from the northern Bahamas to areas impacted by Hurricane Dorian to stimulate natural regeneration.
Reestablishing natural water flow in areas where it has been disrupted. For instance, installing culverts in causeways on Grand Bahama to restore water flow and improve mangrove health.
Supporting science behind replacing “gray infrastructure” with nature-based solutions that leverage the natural ability of mangroves to buffer storms and reduce impacts on communities.
Monitoring
Our scientists conduct in-water surveys to assess underwater habitat quality and fish populations, crucial for understanding mangrove ecology and its role in supporting marine life. We conduct annual surveys across the Little Bahama Bank to track the health of benthic ecosystems and the diversity and abundance of fish species over time in areas affected by Hurricane Dorian.
We monitor water quality parameters like temperature, salinity, pH, chlorophyll, and dissolved oxygen to ensure optimal conditions for mangrove growth. An example includes ongoing water quality monitoring in mangrove restoration sites in the Exumas.
We utilize multispectral mapping drones to create maps with centimeter-level detail, capturing mangrove height, biomass, and plant health metrics. These surveys are essential for assessing the health of mangrove forests and tracking the progress of mangrove habitat restoration projects. To date, we’ve mapped thousands of acres of mangrove habitat beginning in 2020 across Andros, New Providence, Grand Bahama, and Abaco, helping us to understand the health trajectories of these vital ecosystems.
Our Projects
PIMS is involved in numerous mangrove restoration projects across the Caribbean. Click on the links below to learn more about our ongoing efforts.
- The Bahamas: Our projects in The Bahamas focus on replanting mangroves post Hurricane Dorian, hydrological (or blocked creek) restoration, and green infrastructure initiatives.
The Bahamas Mangrove Alliance
As a founding member of The Bahamas Mangrove Alliance (BMA), alongside Bonefish & Tarpon Trust and Waterkeepers Bahamas, PIMS is dedicated to the protection and restoration of mangrove habitats across The Bahamas. Our role in the BMA is crucial as we drive the science behind mangrove planting and restoration efforts. This includes testing various restoration methods to determine the most effective techniques, prioritizing sites for restoration based on ecological and socio-economic factors, and employing advanced habitat mapping to monitor our restoration progress. Additionally, our scientists conduct in-water fish and benthic surveys to assess the health and diversity of marine life supported by mangroves, ensuring our approaches are both effective and sustainable.
The BMA employs three primary mangrove planting techniques, each tailored to maximize the growth and resilience of mangrove ecosystems:
- Propagule Dispersal: Propagule dispersal involves releasing mangrove propagules (or seed pods) into mangrove areas by tossing them or allowing them to float with the tide. This method does not require physically planting the propagules but rather relies on natural processes to help them settle and grow. This technique is particularly useful in areas where manual planting is challenging.
- Propagule Planting: Propagule planting refers to the direct method of collecting propagules from mangrove trees and planting them straight into the mud. This hands-on approach ensures that the propagules are placed in suitable locations for optimal growth within mangrove ecosystems.
- Seedling Planting: Seedling planting involves raising mangrove propagules in a nursery for 9-12 months until they become well-established plants. Once matured, these seedlings are then planted in mangrove habitats, enhancing their chances of survival and contributing to effective mangrove restoration.
To date, we have successfully planted over 135,000 mangroves towards our ambitious goal of one million mangroves by the end of 2025. This milestone underscores the importance of community-based restoration and nature-based solutions. Through the Bahamas Mangrove Alliance’s (BMA) collaborative efforts, we are significantly enhancing our capacity to protect and restore mangrove ecosystems, ensuring their resilience and sustainability for future generations. Our initiatives not only contribute to mangrove forest conservation and overall mangrove rehabilitation but also highlight the numerous benefits of mangroves, such as supporting biodiversity, providing coastal protection, and sequestering carbon.
Research
PIMS leads the development and implementation of mangrove research initiatives in The Bahamas. Our goal is to demonstrate the extensive benefits of mangrove conservation for education, recreation, economy, and science throughout the region.
Join Our Coralition
Subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated on our latest research missions, captivating stories, and exciting job opportunities.
