After nine weeks doing preliminary research and conducting fieldwork, we have now finalized the analysis of our results and are writing our report about the recovery of the mangrove ecosystem. Encouragingly, our findings show that certain parts of the mangrove forest are already restoring very well. However, in larger and more open zones, the mangroves continue to struggle to regrow. Our data indicate that several stress factors may be influencing these areas. One key observation is that during the wet season, tidal influence is limited, leading to stagnating water flow. This reduced flow decreases the transport of nutrients, sediments, and propagules which are essential for healthy mangrove development.
While water quality appears relatively positive, particularly during the dry season, certain parameters such as salinity and pH may still cause stress to the ecosystem at that time of year. In addition, recent shifts in weather patterns have led to increased precipitation. Combined with gradual ground subsidence, this results in prolonged flooding during the wet season, which can drown young mangrove saplings before they are able to establish. Altogether, our study highlights several potential stressors affecting mangrove recovery. Follow-up research will be needed to determine which of these factors has the greatest impact so that effective restoration measures can be designed.
