Forests on the Fringe: Mangroves Losing Ground Globally

In recent years, deforestation, or the cutting down of large tracts of trees, has received much attention worldwide. Scientist and citizens alike have become concerned about the loss of species and habitat as trees disappear from places like the Amazon rainforest. But in the warm tropical waters around the middle of the planet, another type of important forest is being destroyed—faster and with less fanfare.

Mangroves, salt-tolerant trees that thrive in swampy areas along many tropical and subtropical coasts, are rapidly being displaced by development, industrial activity, and aquaculture. Normally, their dense forest canopy and extensive root systems—above and below the water line—provide many benefits to humans and other species.

Despite their importance, mangroves are disappearing at an alarming rate from coastal areas around the world. While mangrove cover is increasing in a few places, scientists estimate that at least 35 percent of the world's mangroves have been lost in the last decade—a rate of loss that exceeds tropical rainforests.

http://ocean.si.edu/ocean_hall/mangrove_removal.html