Mangrove swamps are a coastal ecosystem located between land and coral reefs in tropical areas like Martinique. Martinique has around 1,800 hectares of mangrove swamps, mainly in the center and south of the island. The mangroves provide habitat for many aquatic species and serve as a nursery for young organisms. However, the mangroves are threatened by clearing for development and pollution from chemicals carried by rivers. Protecting these important ecosystems is important for biodiversity.

1. MARTINIQUE’S
MANGROVES
SWAMPS

2. WHAT IS IT?

3. A SHORESIDE ECOSYSTEM
 Mangrove Swamp is a salty wetland
located between the core and the coral
reef, especially in the tropical areas.

4.  Mangrove swamps in Martinique
 It is spread over an area of around 1,800 ha and
accounts for about 6% of the island's total forest
surface.
 It is mainly situated in the center of the island and
in the south.
 The biggest mangrove is located in the Bay of
Genipa.

5. MANGROVE DISTRIBUTION

6.  It give refuge to numerous acquatic species,
birds, crabs, fishes, seaweeds, oysters…
 It serves as refuge and nursery for many
young species.

7. THERE ARE DIFFERENT TYPES OF MANGROVES
The white mangroves The black mangroves
The red mangroves

8. THE FEATURES OF THE DIFFERENT
MANGROVE
RED MANGROVE
(RHIZOPHORA MANGLE)
BLACK MANGROVE
AVICENNIA GERMINANS
 It has got prop roots arch,
propagule, and it’s vivipary.
 It has got elongated leaves
and pneumatophores
(‘pencil roots’)

9. WHITE MANGROVE
LAGUNCULARIA RACEMOSA
GREY MANGROVE
CONOCARPUS ERECTA
 It has got rounded leaves
and pneumatophores
 It excretes salts on the leaf
surface like the black
mangrove
 Grey mangrove, smaller
than the red mangrove and
it’s situated behind
mangroves in the dry part
where the soil is a mixture
of sand and clay.

10. WHAT’S ITS ROLE?
 It is a transition zone which protect the coast
of agressions due to waves, swells or cyclones.
 It filters run-off before it is discharged into the
sea.
 It provides both habitat and a source of food
for a diverse animal community.

11. AN ECOSYSTEM UNDER THREAT
 This ecosystem is threatened by
 Clearing for human settlements and infrastructure
(such as harbours,), and commercial and industrial
areas.
 Pollution: fertilizers, pesticides, and other toxic
chemical products chemicals carried by river can kill
animals living in mangrove forests.


12. Mangrove swamps are very
significant for the biodiversity.
Save and protect them

13. AN ECOSYSTEM UNDER THREAT
Mangrove in the Bay of Genipa