New Report Reveals Manatee Development and Hurricanes' Impact on Mangroves

Understanding the Impact of Hurricanes on Mangrove Ecosystems

New data from a local environmental group has revealed the significant impact of hurricanes on mangrove ecosystems, emphasizing the urgent need for increased conservation efforts. The Suncoast Waterkeeper, an organization dedicated to protecting and restoring local waterways, has been conducting its "Mangrove Ranger" program for two years. This initiative aims to improve the efficiency of surveys and better understand the health of mangrove forests.

The primary goal of the program is to use community engagement and environmental monitoring to support the protection and restoration of these vital ecosystems. The 2025 mangrove mapping data highlighted how some areas were severely affected by the 2024 hurricane season, while others showed signs of recovery. According to Abbey Tyrna, the Executive Director of Suncoast Waterkeeper, mangroves are often overlooked compared to other ecosystems like seagrasses, despite their critical role in the region's economy and recreation.

Benefits of Mangroves

Mangroves offer numerous benefits to both humans and the environment. They act as natural barriers against storm surges, provide recreational opportunities, and serve as nurseries for various fish species. Without mangroves, fisheries that depend on them would suffer drastic declines. These ecosystems also support juvenile fish such as snook, tarpon, red drum, and shellfish, making them essential for commercial and recreational fishing.

The Mangrove Ranger teams consist of four individuals who survey one of eight sites across Palma Sola Bay and Sarasota Bay. Each team includes a boat operator, a spotter, a data manager, and a drone operator. Drones are used to cover difficult terrain, capturing around 300 images during a 20-minute survey. These images are then processed to assess the health of the mangroves, including canopy volume and leaf health.

Data from the 2025 Survey

One of the reference sites, a protected area of mangroves, had a health index score of 90 out of 100 in 2024. However, this dropped to 59 in the 2025 survey, indicating a 46% loss of canopy coverage. The team found large mangroves that appeared to have been split by the strong winds from Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Despite the decline, there was still hope as new growth was observed.

Another site near the hurricane-affected area experienced canopy growth, showing that the impact of the storms was not uniform across Sarasota Bay. The trees that were damaged were thick, likely helping to absorb wind and reduce damage to inland properties.

Threats to Mangroves and Conservation Efforts

Development is a major threat to mangroves, with human activities such as proximity to roadways or wastewater incidents affecting their health. Some sites showed improvement, with one site experiencing an 8% increase in canopy volume from 2024 to 2025. However, water runoff from housing and commercial developments can alter the hydrology of an area, potentially drowning black mangroves.

Mangrove trimming is another concern, even though it is legally permissible under the Mangrove Trimming and Protection Act of 1996. Improper trimming can degrade the ecosystem, and there have been reports of properties removing mangroves entirely. Tyrna noted that while the law aims to protect mangroves, it may not fully preserve their ecological benefits.

The Role of Local Regulations

The highest-scoring sites in the 2025 data are located in protected areas or those removed from human disturbance. Tyrna emphasized the importance of increased conservation and sensible lawn care to maintain healthy mangrove ecosystems. Local regulations, such as those being implemented by the Manatee Board of County Commissioners, play a crucial role in wetland protection.

Suncoast Waterkeeper plans to expand the Mangrove Ranger program, supported by the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation. After two years, the team believes they have solidified their surveying methods and can cover more territory to aid in mangrove conservation efforts. Tyrna expressed confidence in their ability to expand across Sarasota and Manatee Counties, highlighting the importance of monitoring changes over time due to ongoing threats to these ecosystems.