Indian River Lagoon Mangrove Restoration Term Paper

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Two general approaches are used in connection with mangrove restoration. One method only focuses on the replanting of mangroves to replenish those that were lost. The other concentrates on discovering the reason for losses and preventing further loss of mangrove habitat. This philosophy supports natural recovery of the ecosystem, once the sources of destruction have been discovered and eliminated (Lewis & Streever, 2000). Both of these approaches have merit for different reasons.

The first option is to plant mangroves to replenish areas that have been lost. This method is the most costly in terms of capital input. However, it will result in the most rapid recovery of the mangrove forests. Natural recovery of the forests takes between 15-30 years, and that is only if the sources of destruction can be adequately controlled (Lewis & Streever, 2000). However, as mentioned earlier, replanting may be difficult, especially if the area has been altered in such as manner that it will not support mangrove species. However, there are many different species of mangroves and it may be possible to find a species that will survive in the new environment (Lewis & Streever, 2000).

Manmade habitat destruction can be controlled to a certain degree. For instance, limits could be established that help to eliminate pollution from runoff and manufacturing wastes in order to preserve what is left of the mangrove forests. However, one cannot control destruction of mangrove forests due to increasing storm damage. This type of damage could significantly hinder slow natural recovery processes. Therefore, it is proposed that supplemental plantings of the mangrove forests be undertaken, in addition to programs to help eliminate further destruction of the stands my manmade means. This two-fold approach will result in rapid stand recovery and prevent further losses of newly established and existing mangrove trees.

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Thus far, several mangrove repopulation projects have already begun with varying degrees of success. Local laws now prohibit the dumping of wastes and other forms of pollution into the Indian River Lagoon in compliance with the 1987 Estuaries and Clean Water Act (EPA, 2008). An aggressive program has been underway since the late 1980s to make people and businesses in the area more aware of the income and value of the Indian River Lagoon as a natural resource. However, these efforts are not enough, necessitating greater concentration on re-planting efforts.

Proposed Solution

The proposed solution will enhance current efforts to restore the mangrove replanting projects currently underway. Pollution control continues to be a priority in the local community. They understand the importance of the estuary from a natural and economic standpoint. The Indian River Lagoon has received national attention from the Federal EPA. Therefore, efforts for this proposal will focus on rapid environmental recovery.

As we discussed earlier, replanting efforts are highly risky for several reasons. The first is that conditions in the water and soil may have changed since the original mangrove stand was destroyed. This is highly likely because mangroves have mechanisms that interact with surrounding water and soil to help create the optimum growing conditions for themselves. It is difficult to get new plantings to establish, as mangroves are adapted to a narrow range of conditions (Hill, 2001). However, there are many different mangrove species available, even though a few species may dominate an area.

Replanting is necessary in order to rapidly establish the groves to a point where their root systems are anchored enough to withstand increasing storms. The strength of these storms cannot be determined, and there may be cases where replanting efforts are destroyed......

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