Key features

• Salt tolerance: Mangroves can survive in water that's up to 100 times saltier than most other plants. 

• Tidal fluctuations: Mangroves are periodically submerged by tides. 

• Root systems: Mangroves have specialized root systems that help them survive in the intertidal zone. 

• Habitat: Mangroves create a rich habitat for other plants and animals. 

Mangrove benefits 

• Coastal protection: Mangroves help prevent coastline erosion and reduce the impact of storm surges.

• Sediment capture: Mangroves capture sediments flowing into the ocean from streams.

• Harmful substance reduction: Mangroves lower impacts from harmful substances.

Mangrove distribution

• Mangroves are found in tropical and subtropical regions. 

• The greatest mangrove area is within 5° of the equator. 

• The number of species tends to decrease with distance from the equator. 

Mangrove conservation 

• The UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030) highlights mangroves as an ecosystem to inspire advances in ocean health.