Mangrove Mortality in the Philippines: Ecological Drivers, Community Perspectives and Management Implications
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54536/ajec.v5i2.7420Keywords:
Community Perception, Ecological Stressors, Hydrological Alteration, Mangrove Mortality, Regeneration CapacityAbstract
Mangrove ecosystems in the Philippines persistently decline, despite the substantial number of national and community-based rehabilitation initiatives. Despite the rehabilitation programs that have increased mangrove cover in several coastal regions, many sites continue to exhibit dieback, canopy degradation, and limited natural regeneration. Mortality patterns associated with hydrological alteration caused by aquaculture dikes, coastal infrastructure, and drainage modifications; sediment imbalance resulting from upland erosion, river modification, and localized siltation; salinity fluctuations linked to droughts, heavy rainfall, and changing freshwater inputs; and episodic disturbances induced by typhoons, storm surges, and heat extremes. These stressors impede root aeration, destabilize substrates, disrupt physiological processes, and hinder natural regeneration. Sensitive species, including Ceriops tagal, Rhizophora mucronata, and Sonneratia alba, exhibit insufficient establishment of juvenile cohorts in many sites, while disturbance-tolerant taxa such as Avicennia marina tend to dominate regenerating stands, resulting in reduced species diversity and uneven age structures. Community perceptions indicate broad awareness of mangrove ecosystem services and widespread participation in planting initiatives, yet perceived recovery may mask ecological vulnerabilities. Many restoration activities face difficulties because species are not aligned with their ecological zones, hydrological conditions are insufficiently assessed, and follow-up monitoring is inconsistent. Policy frameworks exist but are weakened by inconsistent implementation, hydrological planning, species-site matching, and long-term monitoring, which reduce restoration effectiveness. Improving mangrove resilience requires restoring tidal flow, selecting species appropriate to site conditions, strengthening monitoring systems, enhancing community ecological understanding, and adopting climate-responsive management. Coordinated ecological and institutional actions are essential to reduce mortality and support long-term ecosystem stability.
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