Mangrove Plantation at Abandoned Shrimp Ponds and New Mud-flat Areas for Restoration of Biodiversity and Climate Change Countermeasure
Abstract:
Mangrove forests are vital for both local communities and the global environment. Thriving in 128 tropical and subtropical countries, these ecosystems offer a wealth of benefits, supporting coastal livelihoods and well-being. Unfortunately, mangrove forests are facing significant decline worldwide. Recognized as crucial for sustainable development, mangroves play a pivotal role in achieving the 2030 Agenda goals. Mangrove ecosystem studies have traditionally focused on the biodiversity of species such as mangrove trees, mudskippers, and commercially valuable organisms like mud crabs, mangrove crabs, cockles, sea catfish, and prawns. However, there has been a growing emphasis on understanding the benthic invertebrate community within these ecosystems. Mangrove ecosystems serve as critical nurseries for juvenile fish and are essential for animal protein production. Many tropical fish species rely on these coastal forests during their life cycles. Pak Phanang Bay, renowned for its diverse marine life, supports a significant local economy. This study employed δ13C and δ15N isotope analysis of 47 fish species, 5 shell species, 5 crab species, 5 shrimp species, 2 squid species, an octopus, and 3 species of mangrove plant to investigate the bay's food web. Rachycentron canadum and Acanthosquilla multifasciate exhibited the highest trophic levels based on their δ13C values. While Rhizophora mucronata and R. canadum showed a δ15N difference of 4.6‰, traditional trophic level estimation based on δ15N enrichment was inconclusive due to potential nitrogen loss in fish and shellfish tissues. Our findings indicate that mangroves form the foundation of the Pak Phanang Bay food web, supporting a complex trophic structure that progresses from herbivores to carnivores.
