Mangrove fringe areas are the edge of land and sea in the back bay that are subject to daily tidal cycle submergence or flooded for extended periods of time. Several species of salt-tolerant trees — red, black, and white mangroves — serve as storm buffers, stabilize shorelines, provide an intricate web of sheltered nooks and crannies for fish and other species, and generate a food cycle that is distributed through tides and currents to other marine habitats. A multitude of wading birds, sport fish, and tiny invertebrates such as sea horses, sea stars, sea squirts, and oysters are dependent upon a healthy mangrove ecosystem.
To protect and care for Southwest Florida's coastal ecosystems.