Mangrove forests support extraordinary biodiversity, and their ongoing destruction causes significant welfare impacts for fish, birds, and coastal wildlife.
Mangrove loss creates compounding welfare impacts across species. Juvenile fish that depend on mangrove root systems for shelter from predators face elevated mortality when mangroves are cleared. Nesting birds lose breeding habitat, and the disturbance of nesting colonies during clearing causes direct welfare harm to eggs and chicks. Shrimp farming that replaces mangroves creates additional welfare issues through intensive shrimp aquaculture. The connection between mangrove integrity and the welfare of dependent species makes mangrove protection a high-priority welfare and conservation goal.