English: Positive interactions in mangrove ecosystems
Examples of positive interactions in mangrove ecosystems. (1) Multi-species plantations can sequester more carbon in sediments and can increase root yields. (2) Microbial communities receive food from mangrove root exudates and can help recycle nutrients. (3) Mixed stands of mangroves can provide association defense against herbivory. (4) Mangrove roots allow for oyster recruitment and reduce sedimentation stress, and the presence of oysters in turn supports other species. (5) Mangroves provide carbon to sponges and sponges provide nitrogen to mangroves (6) Mangrove roots provide habitat for sponges and tunicates, which protect mangrove roots from harmful isopods. (7) In a facilitation cascade, mangrove pneumatophores trap algae and oysters, which act as secondary foundation species and support diverse mollusk communities. (8) Mangrove plantations sequester carbon in sediments, which is affected by planting density and may be facilitated by top predators. (9) Other plant species can increase recruitment of mangroves by trapping seeds and ameliorating abiotic stress. (10) Higher densities of mangroves can increase seedling success and sediment accumulation, which may allow for more resilience to sea level rise . (11) Nearby coral reefs protect mangroves from wave action, while mangroves reduce sedimentation stress and increase reef fish biomass on reefs.