In this new feature, In Focus I’m replacing the ‘Little Snippets’ series. Keeping with recommendations for things to watch listen or read but I’ll be staying with a specific theme. I don’t know about you but, there are some weeks where I seem to consume lots of interesting and inspiring content, and other weeks where there seems to be a drought of sorts, either in my capacity to absorb information or to find something worth sharing. But, when hear or see something that sparks my imagination I go down a rabbit hole of research and so, ‘In Focus’ seems a better way for me to share some interesting discoveries on one particular theme. I did this once before here on Whales and enjoyed the deep dive (pun semi-intended) so hopefully this new format will resonate a little more than a set of disparate links. Let me know what you think.
It’s been a long while since we’ve taken a trip and I’m longing for a place, not far from where I live where mangroves and eucalypts come together on the edge of bright white sands and crystal clear turquoise saltwaters. It is as idyllic as it sounds but some brief research tells me that this unique habitat has substantially diminished in size since the 1940s. It was these incredible photos from the Mangrove Photography Awards in the Guardian by the Mangrove Action Project that reminded me of our local (ish) mangroves, and I remember then that my niece did a project on mangroves for school so I thought I better learn a little more about these incredible trees that live with their feet in salt water and why they are so important to our coastal ecosystems.
In short, mangroves are utterly magical trees. Aside from being beautiful to look at they are biodiversity powerhouses. They provide important habitat for fish, shellfish and marine life at their roots, and support birds and mammals in their trees and branches. And, if that's not enough they are busy sequestering carbon in very significant amounts. Mangroves form part of ‘Blue carbon’ ecosystems, which include seagrasses and salt marshes, that like mangroves store carbon at higher rates than their land-based counterparts. If that’s not enough, they also provide protection against storm surges, guarding against erosion while stabilising vulnerable coastal and intertidal zones. Oh, and they filter water, improving water quality.
As a saltwater obsessive, I’ve loved learning about these magnificent trees, they provide such a clear example of the interconnectedness of our ecosystems and the importance preservation of important mangrove habitats. There are wonderful people and organisations at the frontlines of mangrove restoration and education and the fact that my eleven-year-old niece did a school project about them in her suburban Sydney school is so hopeful and encouraging.
READ // Substack - Global Nature Beat
Brilliant Birds and a Mystery of Mutating Mangroves
This is a wonderful read here on Substack from Mike Shanahan of Global Nature Beat on Scarlet Ibises of Trinidad and the ‘mystery of mutating mangroves’. A potent reminder of the vulnerable nature of these delicate coastal ecosystems and of the exquisite beauty of our natural world, a Scarlet Ibis for goodness sake. Our poor little Aussie bin chickens don’t have quite the same appeal, and in fact, their urban status as bin raiders is actually a result of wetland habitat loss and adaptation to built environments.
READ // Nautilus Magazine
An excellent read on blue carbon specific to the swamp zones of the southern states of America. It looks at the science and challenges of the emerging blue carbon industry the threats to mangroves and the potential risk of carbon release if mangroves aren’t protected.
LISTEN // Podcast BBC World Service The Climate Question
Are wetlands the secret to fighting climate change?
This episode is a great introduction to both wetlands and mangrove ecologies. From the cultural and socioeconomic significance of mangroves in the Bay of Bengal to the importance of boglands in the UK and the birds that live there.
LISTEN // Podcast - The Science Detectives - Cosmos Magazine
A short podcast on mangroves provides a great overview. Another mention of early childhood education about mangroves prompted the podcast and some great insights into a major scientific study on mangroves and their importance and resilience. Listen to this if you want a concise lowdown on mangroves.
Natures notes is proudly written on and inspired by Dharawal Country. I recognise the Dharawal & Wodi Wodi custodians and ancestors who have an enduring connection to land, water and skies.
Always Was and Always Will be Aboriginal Land.
Thanks for sharing all the info about these magical trees - I'm busy reading!