ABSTRACT
Mangrove forests are the dominant coastal ecosystem in tropical and subtropical regions. They form an important link between aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems and are one of the most productive ecosystems with a primary productivity of 2.5 g carbon/m2 per day [1]. Mangrove litter provides large amounts of carbon (C) to coastal and offshore marine ecosystems and contributes over 10% of the dissolved organic C (DOC) to ocean sediments worldwide [2]. Mangroves also protect coastal areas from wave action, erosion, storms, and tidal waves. Despite their known benefi ts as coastal buffers and biodiversity harbors, mangrove areas are being altered and destroyed by anthropogenic impacts and their cover has decreased by 35% in the past 20 years [3]. Mangrove forests are ecologically and economically important. They have been
estimated at 200,000-900,000 USD/km2 per year by the United Nations Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Center [4].
