Mangrove Nurseries: Factors affecting juvenile fish in mangrove forests

Found in the interface of land and sea, tropical mangrove forests are widely recognized as important nursing and feeding grounds for a variety of juvenile fish and invertebrates, often with completely different adult habitats. The complex root structures of mangrove trees, such as the prop roots of Rhizophora and the pencil like pneumatophores of Avicennia trees are believed to provide juvenile fish shelter and protection from predators while they develop. However the importance of a structurally complex mangrove might vary depending on the trophic level and life history of the fish species. Furthermore, a variety of other environmental factors such as the shallow depth of mangrove waters, tidal cycles and turbidity may combine with root structures to affect juvenile fish. With this study Bhanu from NCBS aims to investigate the effect of structural complexity on the abundance and composition of juvenile fish within mangrove forests in South Andamans. As part of this study she will also try to compare differences in mangrove forests inside the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park with mangrove patches outside, as well confirm the results of my data with experiments in the field.