Mangroves (Rhizophora mangle) are extensive tree colonies that grow in saline (salt) water in the topics and sub-tropics. In the UAE they are intertidal which means that the sea either fills them up or empties out according to the tide. At low tide there are extensive mud flats and at high water everything is covered over.
A plant that can live in salt water is called a halophyte. They have a complex internal filtration system to cope with the salt and a very complex root system to cope with the wave action.
Interesting note: One village in Southeast Asia notably escaped all harm from the tsunami in 2005 despite being a low lying coastal village and everything on either side of it was destroyed. This was because the villagers several years earlier had planted a mangrove forest of 80,000 trees for a 1km strip between it and the sea. When the Tsunami struck the coastline the mangrove forest acted as a defensive wall and the village was almost unharmed (although flooding did of course occur, nobody died).
Mangroves are important habitats for a lot of wildlife including:
- Crabs
- Fish
- Leatherback/green turtles
- Lemon sharks (Caribbean only)
- Kingfishers (White collared kingfisher in Oman and Kalba Mangrove forests are the only two nesting sites in the world of this highly endangered bird).
- Fish Eagle
- Ibis
- Egret
- Heron (striated, pond and grey)
- Waders
- Red Wattled Lapwings
And of course lots more species! It is a paradise for both bird watchers and wildlife enthusiasts.
Mangroves are great protectors of the environment too. They break down pollution and just 1 square hectare can neutralize 17 metric tons of carbon a year and reabsorb it back into the plants.
A mature mangrove forest with extensive, interlocking roots also acts as a sediment trap which helps to build up coastlines and prevent erosion from tidal actions such as long shore drift.
There are four main types of mangrove (but many sub-species) and here are some of the common but unsustainable practices for them (this means that the rate at which they are cut down for this purpose cannot be offset by planting new trees – due to how long they take to grow):
- Black Mangrove – Fishing poles, charcoal (carbon rich due to the amount of carbon they neutralize and store from the pollutants in the air). Also used for bee colonies to produce honey due to their mango colored blossoms that gives the honey a clear golden yellow color.
- Red Mangrove – Also used for wood but its most common use is as a dye for the leather tanning industry. The inner bark is peeled and the tannic acid washed out and used for red dye.
- White Mangrove – Fishing poles, tool handles and wooden fences
- Grey Mangrove – Very water resistant wood and insect resistant so excellent for building dhows and small fishing vessels and for roof beams for houses.
The UAE is mostly made up of native grey mangrove and some other introduced colonies and it occurs in intertidal areas. There are around 3,000 hectares of mangroves in the UAE of which 2,300 are in Abu Dhabi. Of all the coastlines in the world with tropical vegetation, mangroves account for nearly a quarter of all vegetation. The mangrove forests in the UAE were used historically and commercially as a safe breeding ground for various edible sea creatures such as:
- Shrimp
- Snapper
- Sea Bream
They are also a safe haven for nesting and migratory birds to raise their young or to load up on food for long flights. In Abu Dhabi you can commonly see flights of flamingoes enroute to their nesting grounds. Migratory birds of prey moving from the Russian steppes to Africa for the winter will stop and fatten up on easy prey like crabs in the mud flats.
Mangroves are also very popular with tourists especially:
- Sea kayakers
- Sit-on-top kayakers
- Stand-Up Paddleboarders
- Canoeists
This is because the intertidal waters are very calm (although can have strong currents when the tide is moving in or out), they are full of interesting wildlife to watch both in and out of the water. They are not too deep and they are easily accessible, often roads and waterfront parks run alongside them.
Traditional sources of food and medicine from mangroves include; medicines for sore mouths, a fortified wine brewed from mangrove fruit and eating the seeds during times of famine.
Mangroves in the UAE and worldwide are increasingly becoming protected areas, like Ramsar sites and with good reason. Human settlement encroaches on forest land to make way for hotels and beach resorts, however this in turn weakens the shoreline making it more prone to erosion. For years people were have begun to realize the detrimental effect that man has had on Mangrove forests. An ecologist named Watson as far back as 1929 said:
“Traditionally people have used mangroves for the benefit of the local communities, but increasing populations have led to an increasing, non-sustainable use of these natural resources.”
If you do go into a mangrove forest it is important to check the tide times and best to only go in for an hour on either side of high tide otherwise you may find yourself pulling your kayak through thick mud if you get the timings wrong. It is also best not to get into the water and stand as this breaks down the young shoots and collapses crab holes etc. The mangrove can be very sharp underwater as barnacles and other crustaceans will attach themselves so walking around in thick vegetation can be pretty painful! If you do want to go in then tell someone where you are and take a partner (preferably two boats for rescue). Take some supplies in a dry-bag and don’t try to force your way into thick undergrowth as it is both disturbing to wildlife and easy to get lost. Items to take with you should include:
- A whistle
- Mobile phone (in waterproof case)
- First aid kit
- Food
- Fresh water
- Head torch
Make sure you wear closed shoes like trainers or water shoes in case you do fall in!
As always be respectful of the environment and go to observe but not to destroy anything. Remember that some mangrove forests are protected areas that you can’t enter so it is a good idea to book and go with an established company who knows their way around and the interesting sights to see.
Words + Photos By: Dan Wright
