Researchers have found evidence that mangrove forests – which protect tropical and subtropical coastlines – are drowning in the Maldives.
Researchers have found evidence that mangrove forests – which protect tropical and subtropical coastlines – are drowning in the Maldives.
Their findings, published today (Tuesday 12 November) in Scientific Reports, indicate that rising sea level and a climate phenomenon known as the Indian Ocean Dipole have led to some Maldivian islands losing over half of their mangrove cover since 2020.
The research team, led by Northumbria University, warn that the findings have implications not only for the Maldives, but also for other island nations and coastal ecosystems around the world.
Read More: Northumbria University
Drone image of the mangrove dieback on HDh. Neykurendhoo in the Maldives. (Photo Credit: Maldives Resilient Reefs)
