Several central Florida municipalities are pledging their dedication to the protection of the mangrove ecosystem by proclaiming July 26th as ‘Mangrove Day’.
A recent study published in Science found that global mangrove populations have been experiencing a net gain since the 2010s. Central and South Florida’s mangrove populations, however, are not recovering at the same rate.
Mangrove forests offer critical protection for Florida’s coastlines, including providing $50 billion in coastal infrastructure protection and acting as natural barriers during extreme weather events. In addition to their coastal protection, mangrove ecosystems provide habitat for 75% of sport and commercial fish species, industries that bring in millions of dollars to the state annually.
Although mangrove trees are protected in Florida, the state is continuing to see a decline in forested areas. Over the last 40 years, Florida’s mangrove populations have declined by up to 84%. With this understanding, eight municipalities from Brevard County to Martin County are proclaiming July 26th as ‘Mangrove Day’. Through this educational proclamation, municipal leaders are communicating the importance of mangroves and their valuable contribution to Florida’s way of life.
To help increase mangrove forest cover, coastal homeowners can plant mangroves on their property and reap the benefits of protected shorelines. State trimming laws allow mangroves to be trimmed between 6 ft and 10 ft, and allow homeowners to maintain their water views. Marine Resources Council provides living shoreline installations to coastal homeowners throughout Florida, including the permitting and planting of all three mangrove species. Interested homeowners can also purchase mangroves to plant themselves from Marine Resources Council’s mangrove nursery.
MRC has worked to protect, restore, unite, and promote the IRL coastal community of east central Florida for more than 40 years. More information is at LoveTheIRL.org. Those interested in a presentation on the health of the Lagoon can contact Marine Resources Council at (321) 725-7775 or council@mrcirl.org.
