Wetlands have through time been regarded as useless bodies of water fit only for reclamation and mosquitoes. Thankfully, these views have become largely outdated and ill-conceived; wetlands are now considered both important as a natural resource and as part of our cultural heritage.

Wetlands are regarded as bodies of land that are simply covered in water. They may be permanent (always under water) or temporary (seasonally flooded). The animals and plants that exist in these wetlands have special adaptations for existing there.

Here in the Turks & Caicos Islands, our wetlands are known as mangroves and swamps. Mangroves are true flowering plants specifically adapted to living in coastal areas of tropical and subtropical countries. There are four species of mangroves found in TCI: Rhizophora mangle (Red mangrove), Avicennia germinans (Black mangrove), Laguncularia racemosa (White mangrove) and Conocarpus erectus (Button mangrove or Buttonwood). These mangroves show a preference to where they exist on the coastline.

In our country they provide important habitat for many species of shellfish, molluscs, birds, finfish, cnidarians, reptiles and other phyla. Mangroves also provide shoreline protection and coastal stabilization. Mangrove forests act as filters of upland runoff by trapping silt and other materials between their tangled roots, reducing turbidity and preventing it from reaching neighbouring coral reef and seagrass ecosystems. Mangroves are also a source of many traditional and modern medicines.

Their decaying leaves supply food for finfish and mangroves are not so tolerant and occur behind the reds, while White mangroves occur even further inland and Button mangroves can be found far from the coastline and are commonly used as an ornamental hedge.

The  current state of the world’s fisheries is a matter of great concern. While 75% of the world’s commercially important marine fisheries stocks are currently being overfished, the demand for fisheries products continues to grow. The solutions to this problem are multi-dimensional and require the involvement of diverse societal groups. Better management, good practices and a conscientious approach constitute part of the solution. A vital aspect of fisheries conservation is the protection of our wetland habitats, particularly mangroves.

For more information on Wetlands visit www.ramsar.org.

Salinas