| 1 | Studies on mangrove ecosystems of Godavari and Krishna Estuaries Andhra Pradesh, India Mangroves are very specialized forest ecosystems found at the land-sea interface of the tropical and subtropical regions of the world bordering the sheltered sea coasts and estuaries. These forest systems are dominated by the salt tolerant halophytic seed plants that range in size from tall trees to shrubs and being restricted to the intertidal belts, which are exposed ability to function in poorly oxygenated, water-logged saline habitats. Mangrove ecosystems are economically significant and commercially important for their forestry products (ranging from firewood, timber and construction materials to tannins) and fisheries. Mangroves stabilize the coastal shoreline, render protection to the landmass from tidal surges, cyclonic storms and high winds. Mangrove ecosystems are inhabited by innumerable taxa of invertebrates and vertebrate fauna, illustrating the high productivity of the ecosystem. Mangrove forests provide nutritional inputs to adjacent shallow channels and bay systems that constitute the primary habitat of a large number of aquatic species viz. finfish, prawns, crabs, molluscs of commercial importance. Further the culture and capture fisheries are ultimately dependent upon a common resource sustained by the estuarine mangrove ecosystem, which is recognized as world's most potential nursery. It is now a realized fact that the mangrove ecosystems, if properly managed, can satisfy multiple resource made on a sustainable basis. With proper management, biologists believe that the economic benefits from these mangrove forests can be optimised Source: Murty, K.V.R.; Rao, B.K. Curriculum Workshop on Management of Mangrove Ecosystem and Coastal Protection. 1993; 1-33. 0827.
|