Science Talk

Sharing knowledge to protect our mangrove forests

Mangroves in much of S-E Asia threatened by aquaculture, agriculture, urban development

Mangroves dying across a 1,000km length of coast in northern Australia in 2016. Experts believe a combination of extreme temperatures, drought and sea level changes was responsible, and likened the mangrove death to the large-scale bleaching of coral
Mangroves dying across a 1,000km length of coast in northern Australia in 2016. Experts believe a combination of extreme temperatures, drought and sea level changes was responsible, and likened the mangrove death to the large-scale bleaching of corals that is now seen more frequently in the region. PHOTO: COURTESY OF JAMES COOK UNIVERSITY
New: Gift this subscriber-only story to your friends and family

Mangrove forests are one of the most unique habitats we have in Singapore. They have evolved to survive in a dynamic and stressful coastal environment, where their plants and animals must tolerate changing waves, tides and salt.

But their position between the land and sea means they are a crucial buffer for coastal populations, protecting communities from storms, trapping pollution from rivers, providing a safe nursery habitat for fish and even cooling the urban climate.

Already a subscriber? 

Read the full story and more at $9.90/month

Get exclusive reports and insights with more than 500 subscriber-only articles every month

Unlock these benefits

  • All subscriber-only content on ST app and straitstimes.com

  • Easy access any time via ST app on 1 mobile device

  • E-paper with 2-week archive so you won't miss out on content that matters to you

Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.

A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on July 06, 2019, with the headline Sharing knowledge to protect our mangrove forests. Subscribe