Background
Mangrove forests are under threat. Despite their importance in delivering crucial ecosystem services through provision of nursery grounds for fisheries, coastal protection and carbon sequestration, the extent of mangrove habitat is in decline. In recent years, restoration and management activities have sought, and sometimes succeeded, to reverse habitat loss. Focusing on increasing mangrove habitat is important, but does not guarantee long term establishment of functioning ecosystems. In order for populations to be resilient to future environmental change, they must also harbour sufficient genetic diversity to facilitate adaptation. While population genetic diversity has been documented for a number of key mangrove species, we do not yet know what factors influence levels of genetic diversity, or how mangroves are responding to the current pressures they face. We also do not have a good idea about the impact of restoration activities on mangrove population genetic diversity. This lack of information hampers attempts to ensure that mangrove forests remain viable habitats into the future.
