My Clearwater
Let’s Protect Mangroves
Mangroves are one of the most important plant
species for coastal communities. In Florida,
we are lucky enough to be home to three
different species of mangroves: red, black and
white. These small trees serve as one of the most effective
forms of natural protection against tropical storms, acting
as a barrier to greatly reduce the impact of strong waves
and winds. Mangroves also stabilize sediments on the ocean
floor, which are nutrient-rich and sequester four times more
carbon than soils in tropical forests.
Mangroves provide nesting and roosting habitat for many
birds and act as a safe nursery to growing marine life. In fact,
an estimated 75 percent of commercially-caught fish depend
on these nurseries for survival. This natural resource supports
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productive fisheries and wildlife habitat, recreation and
tourism. Because of this importance, shoreline owners have a
unique opportunity to directly participate in the stewardship
of our marine environment.
Over the past 100 years, Tampa Bay has lost almost 45
percent of its coastal wetlands acreage; this includes both
mangroves and salt marshes. In response to this decline,
mangroves are protected by state legislature. To trim them in
Pinellas County, you must either qualify for an exemption
in the code or obtain a permit. There are many ways to
obtain water views and maintain the valuable functions of
our mangrove communities. For more information, visit
pinellascounty.org/mangroves.
/mangroves