Mangrove forest distributions and dynamics (1975–2005) of the tsunami-affected region of Asia†

Mangroves forests, distributed circumtropically in the intertidal region between sea and land in the tropical and subtropical latitudes, provide important ecosystem goods and services. The forests help stabilize shorelines and reduce the devastating impact of natural disasters, such as tsunamis and hurricanes. They also serve as breeding and nursing grounds for marine species and are sources of food, medicine, fuel and building materials for local communities. However, the forests have been declining at an alarming rate – perhaps even more rapidly than inland tropical forests (Aizpuru et al., 2000) – and much of what remains is in degraded condition (Valiela et al., 2001; Wilkie et al., 2003). Conversion of Science Application International Corporation (SAIC), contractor to U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Center for Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS), Sioux Falls, SD 57198, USA, USGS Center for Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS), Sioux Falls, SD 57198, USA, United Nations Environment Programme, Washington, DC 20006, USA, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA and US Geological Survey, VA and US Department of State, Washington, DC 20520, USA