Mangrove forests protect coastal biodiversity and support countless sentient species, but have been devastated by aquaculture, coastal development, and climate change.
Fish, crabs, and other species that breed and nurse in mangrove habitats face habitat loss when forests are cleared. Saltwater crocodiles and freshwater crocodilians that use mangroves are pushed into closer contact with humans when habitats shrink, increasing conflict and persecution. Waterbirds that roost and nest in mangroves lose breeding habitat. Dugongs that feed in adjacent seagrass lose the shelter and fish communities associated with mangroves. Restoring and protecting mangroves therefore directly improves welfare outcomes for a vast diversity of coastal marine species.