Search Results (1,642)

Mangroves rank among the most productive ecosystems on Earth, yet they are increasingly threatened by climate change and the expansion of agricultural land use. Among agricultural pollutants reaching coastal environments, glyphosate-based herbicide formulations (GBHFs) are of particular concern owing to their widespread application and environmental persistence. This study evaluated the phytotoxic effects of a GBHF (commercial product Velfosato, 48% active ingredient) on Rhizophora mangle L. seedlings under controlled experimental conditions simulating the intertidal regime of the collection site. Propagules were collected from the Los Petenes Biosphere Reserve (Campeche, Mexico), established in experimental tanks containing mangrove soil, and grown until uniform seedling development was achieved. Once seedlings reached uniform development, they were exposed to nominal concentrations of 0.003, 0.03, 0.3, 3.0, and 10 mg L⁻¹ of the formulation dissolved in interstitial water. The experiment followed a completely randomized design (three replicate tanks per treatment plus a triplicate control; n = 1170 seedlings total). All inferential tests used the tank as the experimental unit (n = 3 per treatment). Total chlorophyll concentration was significantly lower in treated seedlings than in the control across all tested concentrations (ANOVA F_5,12 = 4.55, p = 0.015). Height growth rates were significantly reduced at concentrations ≥ 3 mg L⁻¹ (F_5,12 = 6.84, p = 0.003). Lenticel number increased significantly at the two highest concentrations (F_5,24 = 3.63, p = 0.014). Mangrove soil exhibited significant increases in pH and decreases in redox potential across the concentration gradient (p < 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively). These findings indicate that sublethal exposure to a GBHF is associated with alterations in key ecophysiological processes and soil physicochemical conditions in R. mangle seedlings under controlled conditions, highlighting the sensitivity of early developmental stages to GBHF exposure. Full article

Understanding the feeding physiological mechanisms of determined oyster species is fundamental for adaptation and growth stabilization, aiming for gains in aquaculture production. To assess its potential for Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) with shrimp, we analyzed the feeding physiology of the mangrove oyster Crassostrea gasar. In this study, we determined the feeding physiology of the mangrove oyster Crassostrea gasar, a commercially important species in tropical Brazil, under two diets, live microalgae (ISO—Isochrysis galbana) and biofloc (BFT), which were tested at four concentrations (10, 20, 30, and 40 mg L⁻¹), to establish whether this species can effectively utilize BFT as a food source. Results indicated that ISO diet promoted superior filtration, characterized by a higher proportion of feces (F), suggesting a reduced need for intensive particle selection. Both clearance (CR) and filtration (FR) rates peaked at 30 mg L⁻¹ before declining, suggesting a physiological threshold for this diet. In contrast, the BFT diet elicited higher CR and FR values but triggered excessive pseudofeces (PF) production and low net organic selection efficiency (NOSE). This suggests high particle rejection and limited nutritional assimilation. In conclusion, while C. gasar can process BFT, it is metabolically disadvantageous as a sole food source. For an optimal performance, I. galbana concentrations should be maintained at or below 30 mg L⁻¹. Full article

Mangroves are widely recognized as climate-relevant ecosystems, yet the extent to which soils are incorporated into climate mitigation research remains unclear. This study conducted a hierarchical bibliometric analysis (Scopus, 1950–2025) across five progressively restrictive search levels, moving from general mangrove research (Level 1) to studies incorporating climate change (Level 2), mitigation (Level 3), and soil-related processes (Levels 4 and 5). Results show that although 30,084 articles addressed mangrove broadly, only 25 articles (0.08%) explicitly linked mangrove soils to climate change mitigation, with the majority published after the emergence of the blue carbon concept in 2009. Keyword evolution and network analyses indicate a shift from descriptive ecological themes (e.g., distribution and vegetation dynamics) toward carbon-related and soil-associated processes (e.g., blue carbon, carbon sequestration, soil organic carbon), particularly after the late 2000s, accompanied by gradual diversification into Environmental Science, Earth and Planetary Sciences, and chemistry-related domains associated with soil processes and mitigation mechanisms. Despite these conceptual advances, keyword analysis shows that mitigation-related studies (Levels 3 and 5) remain largely focused on terms such as “mangroves” (336 occurrences), “carbon sequestration” (187), “organic carbon” (82), and “carbon storage” (62), with limited representation of mechanistic soil processes (e.g., redox-processes, soil greenhouse gas fluxes, carbon–iron–sulfur coupled dynamic) in climate mitigation frameworks. Expanding this integration represents a key scientific frontier for improving the robustness and scalability of mangrove-based climate mitigation strategies. Full article

The San Andrés, Providencia, and Santa Catalina archipelago, located in the Colombian Caribbean, hosts diverse ecosystems, including coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass beds, and beaches, all of which are increasingly threatened by human activities. This research proposes a spatial analysis of ecological risk that integrates ecosystem vulnerability and anthropogenic pressures associated with land-use change to promote sustainable risk management. The vulnerability of island ecosystems was assessed by analyzing changes in cover across multiple time periods. At the same time, risks from anthropogenic pressures were determined based on marine protected area zoning and land-use planning regulations. Results show contrasting patterns: while several mangrove and beach sectors remained relatively stable, mangrove loss reached up to 65% in Providencia, and seagrass ecosystems experienced severe degradation, including a complete loss (100%) in western San Andrés. Risk maps indicate that the highest risk levels are consistently associated with Special Use Zones, where tourism infrastructure, navigation, and port activities are permitted. These findings highlight the importance of ecosystem-based risk management and adaptive governance in reducing anthropogenic pressures and preserving island ecosystem health. Full article

Martinique sponge fauna was largely undocumented until 2017, when the first inventory of Porifera colonizing coral reefs, mangroves and caves around the island was published. We performed an integrative classification of sponges in the foraging area of hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) in Martinique. Sponge specimens were retrieved as direct or indirect diet items consumed by hawksbill turtles after video observations, and the feeding behaviors of these predators were tracked. Morphology was supplemented with molecular identification (DNA barcoding) based on a multi-locus approach using COI, 28S and ITS genetic markers. Seventeen different species were identified, belonging to seven orders: Poecilosclerida, Dictyoceratida, Verongiida, Agelasida, Haplosclerida, Clionaida, and Tetractinellida. Haplosclerida exhibited the greatest diversity and species abundance, followed by Verongiida. The 28S marker provided the highest confidence in species identification. We provided new barcode records for Hyattella cavernosa and Amphimedon caribica. Among the cataloged sponges, only four of them had been previously reported as food items of E. imbricata (Xestospongia muta, Iotrochota birotulata, Spirastrella coccinea and Cinachyrella kuekenthali). The rest represent newly documented items that are potentially preyed upon by this turtle predator. The characterization of sponges as being part of the feeding habitat of hawksbill turtles underpins management and protection plans for this critically endangered species, and the benthic community on which they feed, by providing criteria for generating networks of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in the Caribbean regions. Full article

Phaseolorin J (TT-55), a chromone compound isolated and purified from the fermentation products of Phomopsis asparagi DHS-48, is an endophytic fungus obtained from mangrove forests. Preliminary experimental studies have revealed its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, though its mechanism of action remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of TT-55, following initial evidence of its potency, by employing an LPS-induced RAW264.7 macrophage model in vitro. The results revealed that in the LPS-induced inflammatory model of RAW264.7 cells, the TT-55 dose dependently inhibited the expression of LPS-induced inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-18, IL-1β, IL-6) and the production of oxidative stress markers (reactive oxygen species, SOD, MDA). Following combined treatment with the Nrf2 pathway inhibitor ML385 and TT-55, the inhibitory effects of TT-55 on inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress markers were reversed by ML385. Meanwhile, ML385 also attenuated the ability of TT-55 to suppress LPS-induced upregulation of NLRP3 inflammasome-related genes. In conclusion, TT-55 may exert its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects by activating the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway and suppressing the upregulation of NLRP3 inflammasome-related genes. Full article

Phycological knowledge in Mexico has primarily focused on intertidal zones, coral reefs, and, to a much lesser extent, mangroves. In mangroves, there are isolated studies on various areas of the country, and in many cases, references are made to the macroalgae that grow in association with them, incidentally as part of floristic inventories for a given area. Therefore, the present study aimed to compile existing information on macroalgae associated with mangrove roots in seven ecoregions throughout Mexico. The search was integrative using Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science with different keywords; only records of algae growing on mangrove roots were considered. The literature review includes information on the composition, species richness, their distribution across Mexican marine ecoregions, and their morphofunctional groups. A systematic literature review from 1972 to 2024 identified 40 studies with data on macroalgae found on mangrove roots. The final phycofloristic inventory recorded 155 taxa, distributed among 67 genera, 39 families, 19 orders, and three phyla. The most representative orders were Ceramiales and Cladophorales, and the families with the greatest number of taxa were Rhodomelaceae and Cladophoraceae. This checklist provides a baseline for future taxonomic and biogeographic studies of mangrove-associated macroalgae. Full article

Mangroves are crucial for biodiversity conservation, coastal protection, and supporting local livelihoods. Mangroves may also protect coasts from storms and rising sea levels and can play a major role in climate mitigation. Threats to their health include activities such as infrastructural development, urban encroachment, aquaculture and crop farming, and oil and gas exploration. We review the threats and opportunities for the restoration of mangrove ecosystems on the coasts of Africa, which are highly impacted by oil spills. The most important challenge for mangrove restoration identified in this review is the restoration of appropriate hydrologic and salinity regimes prior to natural recruitment or the active planting of propagules. Full article

Triphenyl phosphate (TPHP), a typical organophosphate flame retardant, has been listed as an emerging pollutant, yet its biodegradation remains poorly studied. Herein, an efficient TPHP-degrading marine bacterium, Pseudomonas abyssi RL-WG04, was isolated from mangrove sediments, which could degrade 95.22% of 100 mg/L TPHP within 120 h. RL-WG04 exhibited good tolerance to varied environmental conditions, maintaining over 70% TPHP degradation percentages (100 mg/L, 7 d) across 20–50 °C, pH 7.0–9.0, and salinity 2.0–4.0% (NaCl, w/v). Organic solvents (p-xylene, biphenyl, toluene and ethyl acetate, 0.5% v/v) had a negligible impact, whereas metal ions (Mn²⁺, Fe³⁺, Ca²⁺, Cu²⁺, Mg²⁺, Zn²⁺, and Co²⁺) strongly inhibited degradation, especially at 1 mM. Under optimized conditions, TPHP degradation by RL-WG04 followed the improved Gompertz model (R² = 0.99927). Metabolite identification indicated that RL-WG04 transformed TPHP into phenol but failed to utilize phenol for growth because of the phenol 2-monooxygenase deficiency. Nevertheless, the constructed consortia of RL-WG04 and Pseudomonas sp. RL-LY03 (phenol-degrading bacterium) achieved complete TPHP degradation and cell proliferation. Additionally, RL-WG04 could efficiently remove TPHP (25 mg/kg) from clay and sandy mangrove sediments with 100% and 90.04% removal percentages, respectively. Overall, this work provides novel insights into the fate of TPHP and a potential approach for its remediation. Full article

The Vietnam Mekong River Delta (VMRD) is a climate-sensitive region characterized by diverse ecosystems, including extensive mangrove forests that protect against sea-level rise and contribute to global carbon sequestration. Accurate land cover classification in the VMRD is essential but remains challenging due to complex landscapes and dynamic environmental conditions. The primary objective of this study is to propose a semi-supervised deep learning framework that integrates satellite indices with multi-temporal remote sensing data to address key classification challenges, particularly in situations where ground truth data is limited, as compared to unsupervised and supervised machine learning methods. Our comparative analysis across different sample sizes (500 to 6000 ground-truth data points) reveals critical insights into model performance and scalability. Supervised models, including Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machine (SVM), and Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), demonstrated strong performance when sufficient labeled data were available, with CNN achieving the highest accuracy (0.97 at 6000 samples). However, at minimal sample sizes (500 sample points), these supervised approaches exhibited substantial limitations, with accuracies dropping dramatically (RF: 0.75, SVM: 0.80, CNN: 0.81). Supervised models also showed overfitting tendencies compared to official land cover statistics. In contrast, the semi-supervised approach (SoC4SS-FGVC) achieves remarkably high performance at small sample sizes (0.92 accuracy with 500 sample points), demonstrating strength under minimal data availability. The framework also showed improved capability in distinguishing spectrally similar land-cover classes and detecting environmentally sensitive types such as mangrove forests. Cross-validation with official statistics confirmed the semi-supervised model’s superior effectiveness in delineating paddy rice fields and its resistance to overfitting. The performance analysis demonstrates that SoC4SS-FGVC provides a practical and cost-effective solution for land cover mapping, particularly in regions where extensive ground-truth data collection is prohibitively expensive or logistically challenging. Full article

Tropical cyclones rank among the most destructive natural hazards globally, posing significant threats to coastal ecosystems and communities. Mangrove forests, renowned for their ecological importance and coastal protection services, are vulnerable to these disturbances, suffering structural damage, habitat loss, and disruption of vital ecosystem functions. Conventional field-based assessment methods often fall short in capturing the rapid and widespread impacts of cyclones, particularly in remote or cloud-obscured regions. This review aims to provide a comprehensive synthesis of remote sensing applications for monitoring cyclone-induced impacts on mangrove and coastal ecosystems worldwide. Through a systematic literature review of 74 peer-reviewed articles from 1990 to 2025, the study evaluates the utility of optical sensors, radar systems, and multi-sensor platforms in assessing inundation, vegetation damage, and ecosystem service loss. Key methodological advances such as time-series analysis, machine learning, and UAV-based validation are highlighted, alongside critical gaps including limited geographic coverage, weak validation practices, and minimal socio-economic integration. Notably, 75.4% of reviewed studies are concentrated in Asia, with Bangladesh and India alone accounting for 44.6% of the total literature, underscoring a pronounced geographic bias. The findings underscore the need for robust, near-real-time monitoring frameworks that combine satellite technologies with ground data and community engagement. Ultimately, the review advocates for an integrated, multi-sensor, and participatory approach to cyclone resilience, offering valuable insights for future research, disaster response planning, and sustainable mangrove management. Full article

Bangka’s mangroves contribute to Indonesia’s species-rich coastal ecosystems, yet they have experienced substantial degradation, largely driven by human activities such as tin mining. Establishing long-term records of mangrove extent is essential for understanding distribution dynamics, assessing impacts, and guiding conservation strategies. In this study, we applied change detection techniques, a random forest classifier, and the LandTrendr algorithm to analyze Landsat time-series data from 1994 to 2023 across Bangka Island. We quantified multi-decadal changes in mangrove extent, periods of disturbance and recovery, and discrepancies between local and global datasets. Mangrove dynamics were spatially heterogeneous, with both expansion and loss observed across regions in landward and seaward settings. Over the 30-year period, total gains reached 4956.39 ha (10.30% of the baseline), yet the net change indicated an overall loss of 1055.85 ha. LandTrendr analysis further revealed sustained mangrove expansion since 1989. Observed changes reflect the combined influence of natural processes, including accretion and erosion, and human pressures, particularly tin mining. Although net area loss aligns with national trends, the drivers in this mining-dominated region differ from those elsewhere, and some mangrove areas remain absent from global datasets. These findings emphasize the need to better capture local gain–loss dynamics to support effective management and conservation. Full article

Background/Objectives: Habitat degradation and fragmentation reduce population size, genetic diversity, and connectivity, increasing extinction risk in small and isolated populations. Coastal wetlands of northwestern Peru have undergone extensive anthropogenic modification, yet the genetic and ecological status of resident carnivore populations remains poorly documented. This study aimed to assess genetic diversity, relatedness, demographic signals, and diet composition of a Pampas cat (Leopardus garleppi) population inhabiting the Mangroves San Pedro de Vice (MSPV), a Ramsar-listed coastal wetland. Methods: We combined noninvasive fecal genotyping using eight nuclear microsatellite loci with vertebrate DNA metabarcoding. Scat samples were collected across three field seasons (2019–2021). Individual identification, genetic diversity metrics, genetic mark–recapture estimation of census size (Nc), effective population size (Ne), bottleneck tests, and relatedness analyses were performed to evaluate population status and kin structure. Dietary composition was characterized using metabarcoding and assessed for sex-specific differences. Results: Sixty-eight scats yielded multilocus genotypes for nine individuals (six males, three females). Genetic analyses revealed moderate diversity (mean allelic richness = 3.47; observed heterozygosity = 0.69; expected heterozygosity = 0.58) and evidence consistent with a recent genetic bottleneck. Genetic mark–recapture analyses estimated a small census size (Nc = 9; 95% CI: 7.0–9.0), while the effective population size was markedly low (Ne = 2.4; 95% CI: 1.5–7.4), yielding an Ne/Nc ratio of ~0.27. Multiple first-order kin dyads were detected, indicating strong local kin structure and limited external recruitment. Metabarcoding identified eight vertebrate prey species, with diet dominated by the native rodent Aegialomys xanthaeolus. No significant sex-specific differences in diet composition were detected. Conclusions: The MSPV Pampas cat population represents a small, kin-structured range-edge population showing signatures consistent with recent genetic erosion and restricted connectivity. These patterns align with isolation in a degraded coastal wetland landscape, highlighting the importance of habitat protection, prey resource conservation, and restoration of functional connectivity to support long-term population persistence. Full article

The teak defoliator, Hyblaea puera, native to South Asia and Southeast Asia (e.g., India, Laos, and Myanmar), has recently caused frequent outbreaks in mangrove forests across Guangdong, Guangxi, and other regions of China. Its larvae feed extensively on the leaves of Avicennia marina, severely threatening local mangrove ecosystems. However, accurate morphological identification of H. puera across its eggs, larvae, and pupae remains challenging. Therefore, the development of rapid molecular detection methods is essential for effective pest identification and monitoring, thereby supporting timely management interventions. In this study, mitochondrial protein-coding genes (PCGs) were analyzed from H. puera and related species were analyzed. Sliding window analysis was conducted to estimate nucleotide diversity (Pi), leading to the selection of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene as the optimal target. Species-specific primers were designed based on the H. puera COI sequence, and two molecular detection assays—SS-PCR and LAMP—were developed. Both assays exhibited high specificity, stability, and sensitivity, successfully amplifying target fragments from H. puera across all tested geographic populations and different developmental stages. The limit of detection of the SS-PCR method was 83 fg/µL DNA, while that of the LAMP method reached 8.3 fg/µL DNA. The newly developed assays offer reliable and robust tools: the SS-PCR method is suitable for precise, large-scale detection in laboratory settings, whereas the LAMP assay is preferable for rapid, field-based detection of H. puera. These methods contribute to the early detection and effective management of H. puera populations, thereby safeguarding mangrove ecosystems. Full article

To explore the patterns of biomass accumulation and sediment carbon burial indicators in mangrove forests under different thinning intensities, a study was conducted on an 8-year-old Kandelia obovata Sheue & al. plantation on Shupaisha Island, Longwan District, Wenzhou City, Zhejiang Province. Three treatments were designed: no thinning (CK), 20% thinning, and 40% thinning. Stand growth and plant carbon density were evaluated for all three treatments at the initial thinning stage and two years later. Sediment carbon density and organic carbon burial rate were assessed only for CK and 20% thinning. Thinning significantly enhanced mangrove growth and plant carbon storage. Compared with unthinned stands, 20% and 40% thinning treatments significantly increased branch diameter and biomass (p < 0.05). The order of mangrove height was 20% thinning > 40% thinning > CK. The plant carbon densities in the 20% and 40% thinned stands were 16.31 Mg C·ha⁻¹ and 15.30 Mg C·ha⁻¹, respectively, far exceeding that of the control (4.80 Mg C·ha⁻¹). In contrast, sediment carbon responses were negative in the short term. After thinning, the sedimentation rate and organic carbon content in mangrove sediments decreased. Sediment carbon density decreased from 88.10 Mg C·ha⁻¹ in unthinned stands to 85.02 Mg C·ha⁻¹ under 20% thinning, accompanied by a reduction in carbon burial rate. Overall, these two-year results indicate increased plant carbon storage under thinning, whereas measured sediment carbon indicators under moderate thinning declined over the same period. Longer-term monitoring is needed to assess whether these short-term responses translate into net ecosystem carbon consequences. Full article