Why are the mangrove forests important?

No mangroves : No fish

No mangroves : No prawns

No mangroves : No mud crabs

Mangrove trees provide a source of food for many marine animals. They also provide shelter from predators in their complex root systems for young shrimp, crabs and fish. In this way, mangrove forests support Ranong's fishing industry, providing employment, food and other economic benefits for a large number of people.

No mangroves - no wood

Mangroves are an important source of wood which local people use to construct their houses and fishing equipment as well as for cooking fuel.

No mangroves, no coastal protection

Mangrove forests protect the coast from erosion during the Southwest monsoon. In areas where mangroves have been cut back the coastline erodes each year exposing villages to storm damage.

Mangroves-seagrass - coral reefs linkage

Mangroves maintain coastal water quality by trapping sediments and filtering nutrients carried down by river systems. This is important for seagrass and coral reefs growing offshore as they grow best in clean/clear water.