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WINTER 2022: 65
many smaller private restoration projects
underway in Central Florida’s lagoons
and bays. The state does not have public
mangrove projects, although some state
grants are provided to universities and
nongovernmental organization projects
that have replanting programs.
PROTECT SHORELINES
Mangroves are halophytes, plants that
can live in saline water. They play an
important role in the environment and
the battle against climate change. They
are a strong carbon sink, trapping carbon
dioxide in the atmosphere at a rate 10
times more effective than land-based
trees. They emit high levels of oxygen
back into the environment; protect
shorelines from erosion; and provide
habitat for marine life.
After decades of developments ripping
out mangroves, it is illegal to cut down
mangroves without a permit. Although
they form a natural and effective barrier
against shoreline erosion, many property
owners tear them out and replace them
with seawalls and large boulder riprap
barriers. Because of the permitting
requirements, the loss of mangroves in
Florida has slowed, but more is lost than
can be replanted.
Tearing out mangroves can be a costly
mistake. During Hurricane Irma in 2017,
an estimated $1.3 billion in property
damage in Florida was averted by
mangroves, according to a study by
the University of California at Santa
Cruz. Seawalls can often be topped and
breached by pounding storm surge in
hurricanes, causing them to lean and
eventually collapse. Studies have shown
mangrove shorelines are more effective
in preventing damage from storm surges.
COLORFUL VARIETIES
Globally, there are dozens of varieties of
mangroves. In Florida there are three:
red mangroves Rhizophora mangle,
Caity Savioa of the Marine
Resource Council says
breakwater efforts work really
well in the replanting process.
and laments not having enough
natural shorelines left to replant.
The loss of mangroves in the
Indian River Lagoon has scientists
and environmentalists worried.
These mangroves can be found in
the channels in Cocoa Beach.
FRED MAYS
During Hurricane Irma
in 2017, an estimated
$1.3 billion in property
damage in Florida was
averted by mangroves,
according to a study
by the University of
California at Santa Cruz.
FRED MAYS