Mangrove Monitoring
Earth Tech Environmental conducts biannual monitoring of mangroves in the Clam Bay estuary. Three species of mangroves are found in Southwest Florida: red, white and black. Mangroves serve a variety of important roles in the ecosystem, including:
- stabilize shorelines from erosion
- act as storm buffers from hurricanes
- help sequester carbon
- provide nursery areas for fish and invertebrates
- offer habitat for fish, reptiles and birds
In the field, Earth Tech Environmental has fixed mangrove monitoring plots within Clam Bay. The mangroves within each plot are tagged, measured, and assessed for overall condition. These changes are tracked over time and provide our Ecologists insight into the overall mangrove health of the estuary. Declines in health could be due to natural occurrences, such as Hurricane Irma, while increases could be indicative of improved hydrology.
Mangroves are crucial to preserve the health and integrity of Florida’s treasured coastlines. Earth Tech Environmental also offers services in mangrove trimming and maintenance. Give us a call today!
