Kayaking in the Mangrove Forest Caribbean Island: St. Lucia March 14, 2000 by Dr. Baynes

Red mangroves are usually found growing right at the water's edge. They have long roots, called prop roots that arch down from the trunk of each tree, creating a tangle of branching roots above and below the salty water’s surface. These roots provide shelter for a wide variety of fish and invertebrates. Oysters like to attach to the roots too. White mangroves like to live on slightly higher ground. Their roots only get flooded with salt water during storms or very high tides.

Mangrove forests are important areas for coastal underwater marine communities. They are a big source of nutrients, which are released when the trees’ leaves fall into the water and rot. These nutrients are taken up by microscopic plants and bacteria, which in turn feed larger microscopic animals, which eventually wind up in the stomachs of larger fish and invertebrates. Because mangrove forests are so productive and are also a good place to hide, they serve as nursery grounds for many species of fish and invertebrates - including species that are found on coral reefs when they become adults.

What a treat to be able to spend the day exploring Praslin Bay! As soon as our kayaks were in the water, we headed straight for the mangroves. We got out of our kayaks to get a closer look at the prop roots and the amazing seedlings, or propagules (PROP-a-gools). The propagules of the red mangrove are torpedo-shaped and can grow up to a foot long. If they drop vertically into the mud, they can start to grow into a new tree right away. If they drop into the sea, they can float around for months and still grow into a new tree when they hit a good mudflat.

Andre and I nosed our kayak’s bow into the shade of the overhanging red mangroves while Wayne and Karen kayaked along the fringe. Later, we headed across the open bay for the surf over the reef and a lunch break on Praslin Island. Praslin Island is an excellent vantage point from which to look over the entire bay. Within this small area are three major coastal habitats: mangroves, seagrass beds, and coral reefs. All three are necessary for a healthy nearshore tropical marine ecosystem. Sadly, we found a lot of plastic bags floating in the water. Sea turtles mistake plastic bags for jellyfish (one of their favorite foods) and can choke on the bags.

Many people do not realize the importance of mangrove forests. Mangrove forests around the world are being cut down to allow people to build shrimp farms, marinas, homes, and shops near the sea. They don't realize that mangroves are vital nursery grounds for many coastal fish species. Shrimp farms are very popular and profitable. The good news is that the mangrove forests of St. Lucia are alive and well. Tomorrow join us as we find out how St. Lucia is trying to protect the mangrove forests and coral reefs.

At Praslin Bay, Karen, Wayne, Dr. Baynes, and Andre get ready to put their kayaks in the water and explore the mangrove forest. On the left is the forest of red mangroves. Next to Wayne's head is Praslin Island.

Andre shows Karen and Dr. Baynes the prop roots of the red mangrove trees. They are called prop roots because they prop up the mangrove trees.

The prop roots of the red mangroves grow all tangled together. Underwater these roots give baby fishes a place to hide from bigger fishes that would like to eat them.

Karen holds up a torpedo-shaped seedling, or propagule, on a red mangrove tree.

As Andre and Dr. Baynes paddle into the red mangroves. Karen gets out of her kayak and stands out of the water! It is low tide and the shallow water near the edge of the mangroves is so shallow our kayaks scrape the bottom.

From our lunch stop at Praslin Island we can look out across the shallow bay and in the distance see the mangrove forest at the water's edge.