The mangrove root systems also provide a filtering system for run-off from the guts on our islands, allowing the sediments to be removed before entering open water.  The sediment can otherwise cover and kill coral reef colonies. The run-off can be high in organic material, such as leaves from the forests.  The decaying trapped organics provides nutrients for the various life forms in the mangrove swamps.

Mangrove areas also protect shorelines from erosion by waves and storms.

Many species of birds live in and around mangroves to feed on the insects breeding in the shallow waters or the small creatures living in the water or sediments.

Red Mangroves are the ones found growing in the clear shore water areas, first in from the ocean.  Black Mangrove is found next, growing in the shallow muddy areas.  White Mangrove is next in the succession inland, found in muddy saline ground, where there is less water action.  Buttonwood is a mangrove found last in succession inland, on drier saline soil.