Mangroves in AustraliaIntroductionMangroves are an integral part of the Australian ecosystem. They are valuable ecologically, economically and socially. Mangroves provide nurseries for an abundance of marine species that would die if the ecosystem were out of balance. They also make up around 75% of fish caught commercially in Australia. Unfortunately, mangroves are under constant threat from humans. Since the arrival of Europeans in Australia, approximately 17% of Australia's mangroves have been destroyed. The three biggest threats to mangroves are coastal development, chemical runoff and climate change. These factors are all man-made and can be easily stopped without much hassle. Values ​​of mangrovesEcological benefitsMangroves play an important role in the Australian ecosystem. In Queensland alone, 133 species of fish and shellfish are directly associated with mangrove ecosystems. Fish rely on these mangroves for nutrients and nurseries, which largely contribute to the abundance of fish populations. The Daintree River in Cape York has 31 species of mangroves, making it one of the most species-rich estuaries in the world. These mangroves are important for fish nurseries, crocodile habitats and provide refuge from drought for surrounding wildlife. Economic BenefitsNot only are mangroves important in the Australian ecosystem, they also play a vital role in the Australian economy. Around 75% of Australia's commercially caught fish and shrimp rely on mangrove systems for the nutrients provided by mangroves. In 2008, $1,084,146 was generated by fishing, meaning $271,036.5 was produced by fish caught in the mangroves. Mangroves also provide large quantities of firewood. In countries like Thailand, villagers sell mangrove...... middle of paper ......-00---off-0ccgi--00-0----0-10-0 ---0 ---0direct-10---4-------0-1l--11-en-50---20-help---00-0-1-00-0- 0-11- 1-0utfZz-8-10&cl=CL3.6&d=HASH0690dcf5ebcae495c68ac5.9&hl=0&gc=0>=1 http://www.mangrovewatch.org.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id= 81&Itemid=300198 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ecological_values_of_mangrove http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cape_York_Peninsula http://wwf.panda.org/about_our_earth/blue_planet/coasts/mangroves/mangrove_threats/ http ://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seafood_in_Australia http://www.mangrovewatch.org.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=26&Itemid=300161 http://overfishing.org/pages/what_can_I_do_to_help .php http: //saveourseas.com/threats/overfishing https://au.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20070303105817AANPIba http://www.mnn.com/family/family-activities/blogs/ 5-ways- stop deforestation