A tall mangrove stand located close to the mouth of the Blue River
WETLANDS NOT A WASTELAND Written by: Attish Kanhai
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and protection against flooding and storm surges. They also help fight climate change and prevent soil erosion. Wetlands also act as carbon stores, and form one of the most important sinks for greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide.
Wetlands provide a range of ecosystem services such as in water security, nurturing complex ecosystems
Wetlands also form the basis of many fish populations acting as nurseries for spawning and growth of juvenile fish. For example mangrove roots and seagrass leaves provide food and protection for juvenile fish against predators. The dead leaves of plants break down into smaller particles of organic material forming detritus, which is a major food source for small aquatic invertebrates, shellfish and forage fish with are food for larger predatory fish. These larger fish are then consumed by people.
etlands are areas where “water covers the soil, or is present either at or near the surface of the soil all year or for varying periods of time during the year, including during the growing season”, as per the definition of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Examples include both natural and man-made sites including lakes, swamps, marshes, mangroves, salt pans, tidal flats and reservoirs. The theme for 2022 world wetlands day is “Wetlands Action for People and Nature” which is aimed at drawing attention to the sustainable use of wetlands and the need for conservation efforts.
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CARIBBEAN FISHERIES TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE
