Mangrove Estuaries: Definition, Importance & Coastal Protection

Mangrove forests often exist in brackish- or saltwater environments, such as river deltas, lagoons, and bays. Mangroves also play an important role in regulating the flow of saltwater into coastal habitats and can reduce the impact of storm surges and flooding. These dynamic ecosystems are vital to maintaining the health of estuarine and coastal environments, providing habitat for diverse marine life and protecting coastlines from erosion and storm damage.