Mature red, white, and black mangrove trees line over 1800 miles of shoreline in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. These unique trees can prevent erosion with their intricate root system by absorbing wave action. Their prop and drop roots donโt just protect the coast, they are also home to several coastal species. In fact, many reef fish spend the earliest part of their lives in the safety of the mangroves before moving out onto the reefs.
