Disturbance of mangrove forests causes alterations in estuarine phytoplankton community structure in Malaysian Matang mangrove forests.

To assess the effects of environmental changes on phytoplankton community structure in a mangrove ecosystem, phytoplankton distribution in Matang mangrove, Malaysia was examined. Phytoplankton and water samples, and in situ environmental parameters from three estuaries with differing levels of disturbance were examined monthly for one year. Two species, Cyclotella choctawhatcheeana and Skeletonema costatum, were dominant in the least disturbed and moderately disturbed areas, respectively.

How to develop a comprehensive Mangrove Quality Index?

Currently, the available indices to measure mangrove health are not comprehensive. An integrative ecological-socio economic index could give a better picture of the mangrove ecosystem health. This method explored all key biological, hydrological, ecological and socio-economic variables to form a comprehensive mangrove quality index.