The second of the FGCU student articles by Tanner Povey and Olivia Neild

Southern Florida, known for many infamous hurricanes, discovered a new way of defending the fragile shoreline with the use of red mangrove trees. These protectors have gained popularity because they actively shield the coastline from dangerous storms.

The Role of Red Mangroves:

With the recent influx of hurricanes throughout Southwest Florida, the importance of red mangroves has increased. Red mangroves serve as a purpose to buffer and withhold the rising sea levels caused by major hurricanes hitting the coast (Kelso, 2025.) They also help to reduce property damage and withstand erosion to the beaches. For example, Hurricane Ian left Fort Myers and Sanibel Island in ruins. However, the red mangroves provided some structure against the storm surge.

Red Mangroves also support wildlife habitat for fish and birds. They improve the water quality and take in carbon dioxide from the air. (Kelso, 2025).

Challenges and Strategies with the Red Mangrove:

After the devastating hurricanes within the past couple of years, Fort Myers and Sanibel Island were heavily damaged. After the storms passed, many coastlines needed to be restored to what they once were. Conservation efforts like “Adopt-a-Mangrove” started in 2020, which help with the process (Kelso, 2025). There is not much to prevent major erosion from hurricanes, so conservation efforts like these are crucial in restoring the beautiful beaches to what they once were, and they help to protect many homes and businesses from future disasters.

Function of Red mangroves

Red mangrove trees have recently been seen in gardens, outside of restaurants, and covering windows of various buildings such as banks or schools. These trees can recover easily from a storm’s damage and grow using the coastal saltwater (Kelso, 2025). The young mangrove seedlings turn into sturdy, ten feet tall trees, which help stabilize and secure shorelines. Along with protecting people’s property, they serve as habitats for fish and birds as well as providing good water quality.

Conclusion:

Red mangroves provide much more benefit than what meets the eye. They are a multi-beneficial plant serving purpose for homes, businesses, and the wildlife that surrounds Fort Myers and Sanibel Island. As hurricanes continue to hit the coast of Florida, conservation efforts like “Adopt-a-Mangrove” are crucial for the city’s flourishing environment. Efforts such as these will preserve the beautiful coastal towns that we call home.

Reference

In Florida, Powerful Little Plants’ That Protect From Big Storms. (20 July, 2025). New York Times https://www.proquest.com/newspapers/florida-powerful-little-plants-that-protect-big/docview/3231562247/se-2?accountid=10919