5

Five Steps To...

...Successful Ecological Restoration of Mangroves

 this manual was put together mostly in the wee hours of night by
friends of the mangrove
methedology: Robin Lewis - Lewis Environmental Serivces
design & layout: Ben Brown
text: Ben Brown
illustrations: Ibnu, PA Tri Priyanto, Rappy, Ben Brown & selected
graphics from the KUILU CD-Rom by CUSO
editors: R.R. Lewis, Alfredo Quarto, Jim Enright, Elaine Corets,
Jurgenne Primavera, PhD. T. Ravishankar, PhD. Oswin Deiva Stanley,
PhD. Rignolda Djamaluddin.
published by
Mangrove Action Project /
Yayasan Akar Rumput Laut
April 2006 - Yogyakarta, Indonesia

with financial support from:

Working Assets
Global Greengrants
Zoological Society of London
Christensen Foundation
USAID - Environmental Service Program

This manual may be reproduced and cited

freely with the blessing of all creatures big
and small whose lives are entwined with the
fate of the mangroves.
 t
i introduction 2
the five steps - about the manual - community Table of Contents
involvement - restoration failures - key concepts
- do your homework

1 autecology 8
pattern of mangrove reproduction - understanding
local production - dispersal - understanding local
dispersal - establishment and growth

2 hydrology 15
depth - duration and frequency - example of 4 hydrological rehab design 31
mangrove zonation regarding substrate - tidal streams - tidal prisms -
rehabilitation planning - poorly designed project -
3 disturbance 20 well designed projects - action taking
stresses - determining stresses - case study -
restoration options - taking measurements 5 planting 39
assessing natural recruitment - planting considerations
- mangrove nursery practices - broadcast of seedlings
- planting holes - spacing and soil

m monitoring 47

s summary 48
advantages and disadvantages of natural
regeneration - emerging restoration principles

r list of references 50

Table of Contents
 i
Restoration and rehabilitation* of existing or former mangrove forest areas is extremely
Introduction important today. In fact, given the importance of mangrove forest ecosystems, and
the current threat to these coastal forests, this is an imperative. But actual planting of
mangroves is rarely needed as mangroves annually produce hundreds or thousands
of seeds or seedlings per tree, which under the proper hydrologic conditions can
recolonize former mangrove areas (returned to normal hydrology) very rapidly.

There are many different techniques and methods utilized in restoring mangroves. Because some of these
have resulted in identifiable successes or failures, we wish to present herein a summary description of
several preferred methods for planning and implementing mangrove rehabilitation.

In summary, five critical steps are necessary to achieve successful mangrove restoration:
1. Understand the autecology (individual species ecology) of the mangrove species at the site;
in particular the patterns of reproduction, propagule distribution, and successful seedling
establishment.
2. Understand the normal hydrologic patterns that control the distribution and successful
establishment and growth of targeted mangrove species.
3. Assess modifications of the original mangrove environment that currently prevent natural
secondary succession (recovery after damage).
4. Design the restoration program to restore appropriate hydrology and, if possible, utilize
natural volunteer mangrove propagule recruitment for plant establishment.
5. Only utilize actual planting of propagules, collected seedlings, or cultivated seedlings after
determining (through steps a-d) that natural recruitment will not provide the quantity of
successfully established seedlings, rate of stabilization, or rate of growth of saplings
established as objectives for the restoration project (Lewis and Marshall 1997).

2 The Five Steps

 i
This manual provides an illustration of these five important steps,
in order to make the methodology accessible to a wider range Introduction
of coastal resource managers and mangrove restoration practitio-
ners. It should be noted that this is not a comprehensive guide
to mangrove restoration. For a fuller understanding and a more
certain approach to restoration, the reader should research more
thoroughly this subject, and consult more directly with those who
are experienced experts in hands-on restoration techniques (see
resources section at the end of this booklet). The techniques out-
lined herein are only a basic guide, and should be tailored to each
unique situation and coastal region where restoration is
being attempted.

It should also be made clear that restoring mangroves is only a

partial solution. Protection of those precious remaining mangrove
ecosystems must become an imperative for all nations, before too
much is lost, and our restoration efforts are in vain.

- Mangrove Action Project Restoration Team, 2005

*The terms restoration and rehabilitation are used throughout

this manual in the following way; The term “restoration” has
been adopted to specifically mean any activity that aims to
return system to a preexisting condition (whether or not this was
pristine) (sensu Lewis 1990b), whereas the term “rehabilitation” is
applied more generally and is used to denote any activity
(including restoration and habitat creation) that aims to convert
a degraded system to a stable alternative.

About the Manual 3

 i
Involvement of the local community where mangrove rehabilitation is taking place is
Introduction essential to the long term survival of the restored forest. This manual can not go into
detail on the community organizing process, but will provide a few insights into ways
that the community should be involved.

It may be best to think in terms of PAST, PRESENT and FUTURE when contemplating
community involvement.

PAST - Why and how were the mangroves destroyed in the first place? What did the
original mangrove forest look like? How did the community use the mangroves?
PRESENT - Who currently owns the land or has
use rights to the land? Is the area currently pro-
ductive? Who are the local actors interested in
restoring the mangrove? What are the tidal
levels of this region? Where does the water
come from that feeds this mangrove area?
How will we restore this mangrove area?

FUTURE - How will the community look after this

mangrove once it is restored? What activities
will be allowed/dis-allowed in the mangrove
area? Who will enforce village regulations on
mangrove protection and sustainable use? Is
co-management with the government an
option? How will you protect the mangroves
from outside developers/investors?

4 Community Involvement
 i
technical failures
Introduction
There have been many failed restoration projects over the years, invariably wasting both
time and money. One case study from North Sulawesi, Indonesia shows that the
government planted the same disused shrimp pond area 5 times over a period of 8
years. Seedlings were planted without regard to ecological requirements (substrate
height, water flow, appropriate species selection) and resultantly died within a year after
each planting (below). Nonetheless project money was continually made available for
re-planting without addressing the cause of the failure.
seedlings planted without re-
gard to substrate height, both in ditches
and on dike walls.

social failures
In Kwandang Bay, Gorontalo Province,
Indonesia the Forestry Department
paid the village leader and seven of
his family members 5 cents a piece to
raise 60,000 seedlings, and promised
another 5 cents for planting when the
seedlings matured. The second pay-
ment never came, and the seedlings
remain to this day, rooted in the nursery.
The community at large was never
involved in the project.

Restoration Failures 5
 i
Introduction “Ecological restoration” has been defined by
the Society for Ecological Restoration (SER, 2002) as the
“process of assisting the recovery of an ecosystem that has been
degraded, damaged, or destroyed”.

Restoration or rehabilitation may be

recommended when an ecosystem has been altered to such an
extent that it can no longer self-correct or self-renew. Under such
condtions, ecosystem homeostasis has been permanently stopped and the
normal processes of secondary succession (Clements, 1929) or natural
recovery from damage are inhibited in some way.

This manual is going to high-

light the importance of assessing the existing
hydrology of natural extant mangrove ecosystems,
and applying this knowledge to first protect existing
mangroves, and second to achieve successful
and cost-effective ecological restoration
if needed.

6 Key Concepts
 i
Some homework is needed in advance of Introduction
starting to plan a mangrove restoration project.

Examples of things to look into might include reading Things Your May Need:
tide tables and measuring tidal levels. Look for literature - Map of location (scale 1:25,000)
about the mangroves of your area and if possible their - Forestry management map (scale 1:5000)
distribution and tidal requirements. Can you find any
- Land use map
recent or even historical aerial photos? Has anyone ever
- Tide tables from nearest port
tried to restore mangroves in your area? If so, what were
their successes and failures? Were there any lessons - Survey equipment such as compass, rope,
learned from these previous efforts? stakes, notebook, measuring tape, GPS unit.

Do Your Homework 7
 1
AUTECOLOGY

Step One:
To understand the autecology (individual species
ecology) of the mangrove species at the site, in par-
ticular the patterns of reproduction, propagule
distribution, and successful seedling establishment.
 1
Seedlings of selected viviparous mangrove species from Indonesia.
1) Brugeira gymnorrhiza; 2) Rhizophora mucronata; 3) B. paviflora;
4) Avicennia marina (a) newly germinated, (b) plumule elongating,
Autecology
5) Aegiceras corniculatum (a) fruits, (b) single young fruit and (c)
germinating fruit. From MacNae 1968.

After flowering and pollination, many mangroves develop

viviparous seeds called propagules.

Vivipary is a characteristic in which the propagules develop

early and germinate while still on the parent tree receiving
food to keep the propagule healthy for a long time after
they fall into the water. This enables the propagule to float
with the tides until it comes to rest in a good place to grow.

The propagules then put down roots into the mud and use
stored food to grow quickly into a young tree.

Pattern of Mangrove Reproduction 9

 1
Autecology

In order to understand the patterns of mangroves reproduction in your

area, it will be useful to create a table similar to the table below.

Species Type of Seed Months Indicator of Maturity Size at Maturity

Avicennia marina Propagule D,*J, F Yellow fruit skin Weight of seed > 30 g
Brugeira gymnorrhiza Propagule M, J, J, A, S, O, Reddish brown body length > 20 cm
N, D
Ceriops tagal Propagule A, S Yellow collar, brown/ length > 20 cm
green body
Rhizophora apiculata Propagule D, J, M, A Reddish collar length > 20 cm,
diameter > 14 mm
Rhizophora mucronata Propagule S, O, N, D Yellow collar, green length > 50 cm
body
Sonneratia alba Fruit A, M, J, S, O Float in water fruit > 4 cm
Xylocarpus granatum Fruit S, O, N Yellow/brown fruit Weight of seeds inside
Floats in Water fruit 30 g each
* Bold type indicates peak season
Adapted from Hachinohe et. AL, “Nursery Manual for
Mangrove Species - At Benoa Port in Bali,” JICA, 1998.

10 Understanding Local Reproduction

 1
Like the coconut palm, mangroves have floating propagules.
Because of their various shapes and sizes propagules of sepa- Autecology
rate mangrove species float differently.

Small propagules such as Avicennia spp., Aegiceras spp. and small

mangrove fruits such as Sonneratia spp. float far and wide on normal
tidal currents. Because of their small size, these fruits and propagules
easily reach new or disturbed areas and, if the soil conditions are right,
become quickly established. These species are known as colonizers.

Dispersal 11
 1
Autecology

ig
No B ules
ag
Large propagules such as Prop wed
Rhizophora spp. and large Allo


mangrove fruits such as
k
Xylocarpus spp. are not as ocock!!
knk
easily dispersed as smaller n
fruits and propagules. The
larger propagules may
have difficulty entering
into areas where normal
tidal exchange has been
blocked such as is often
the case in disused shrimp
ponds

12 Dispersal
 1
Autecology
Before addressing local issues concerning hydrology (Step Two), it will be useful to
understand local mangrove seedling dispersal. Completing the table below will help
you understand the availability of local seeds/propagules.

Species Season Distance from rehab *Presence/absence of

site to seed source propagules in rehab area
Avicennia marina D, J, F < 1km, 1-5 km, >5km Yes  No 
Brugeira gymnorrhiza May - Dec < 1km, 1-5 km, >5km Yes  No 
Ceriops tagal A, S < 1km, 1-5 km, >5km Yes  No 
Rhizophora apiculata D, J, M, A < 1km, 1-5 km, >5km Yes  No 
Rhizophora mucronata S, O, N, D < 1km, 1-5 km, >5km Yes  No 
Sonneratia alba A, M, J, S, O < 1km, 1-5 km, >5km Yes  No 
Xylocarpus granatum S, O, N < 1km, 1-5 km, >5km Yes  No 
Other
Other

* Includes seeds/propagules (rooted, alive or dead) in the rehab area, or

stranded on a barrier such as a dike wall just outside of the area.

Understanding Local Dispersal 13

 1
Autecology
Mangroves often occur in zones, which are groupings of the same species of
mangrove within a whole mangrove forest. Zonation occurs because different
species of mangrove need particular conditions to grow. Some species require
more water than others. Some species are able to tolerate more saline soils
than others. The species occurring in a zone depends on:

a) depth, duration and frequency of tidal inundation

b) soil salinity
c) amount of fresh water available

14 Establishment & Growth

2
HYDROLOGY
Step Two:
Understand the normal hydrologic patterns that control
the distribution and successful establishment and growth
of targeted mangrove species.

MHWS
mean high water spring

Distribution and
establishment of
Herritrea littoralis
 2
Hydrology
The single most important factor in designing a successful
mangrove restoration project is determining the normal hydrology
(depth, duration and frequency of tidal inundation, and of tidal
flooding) of existing natural mangrove plant communities
(a reference site) in the area you wish to restore.

Water Depth/ Substrate Height

Table 3 - Changes of Tide Height Level at Benoa Port in Bali  Each mangrove species thrives at a different substrate
250 level which in some part dictates the amount of exposure
200 the mangrove will have to tidal waters. For instance most
Height

150
100 Avicennia species thrive at lower substrate levels (deeper
50 water) while Herritrea sp. thrive inland at higher substrate
0
0:00 4:00 8:00 12:00 16:00 20:00 0:00 levels (shallower water)
Time
 You will need to study tide charts for your area and
begin to take measurements in healthy mangroves relat-
ing substrate height/depth to the various species of man-
groves that exist at each depth.

 When it comes time to rehabilitate a destroyed man-

grove area, one of the keys is going to be to imitate the
slope and topography (relative height) of the substrate
from a nearby healthy mangrove forest.

16 Water Depth
 2
Hydrology

Frequency of Inundation

It will be essential to note the critical periods of inundation and dryness that
govern the health of the forest.

Among the most widely used approaches for mangrove zonation is the
following scheme based on degree and frequency of tidal inundation
developed by Watson (1928) from his work on Malayan mangroves.

Class Flooded By Height above chart Flooding Frequency

datum in feet (meters) (times/month)
1 All high tides 0-8 (2.44) 56-62
2 Medium high tides 8-11 (3.35) 45-59
3 Normal high tides 11-13 (3.96) 20-45
4 Spring high tides 13-15 (4.57) 2-20
5 Abnormal (equinoctial tides*) 15 2
*Equinotical tides are extremely high or low tides which occur
twice a year around March 21 and September 23.

Duration & Frequency 17

 2
An example of how Watson’s inundation classes can be applied
Hydrology
may help to clarify things. Below Watson’s “Inundation Classes”
are applied to the mangroves of Indonesia.

Class 1: Mangroves in this class are inundated by all high tides. Predominant species found
in these environments are Rhizophora mucronata, R. stylosa and R. apiculata. R. mucronata
prefers areas under greater freshwater influence. In East Indonesia pioneering Avicennia
and Sonneratia forests may dominate this zone.

Class 2: Mangroves in this class are inundated by all medium-high tides. Predominant species
are Avicennia alba, A. marina, Sonneratia alba and R. mucronata.

Class 3: Inundation by normal high tides. Most species thrive under these conditions. A
large part of the mangrove ecosystem falls into this class which exhibits the highest biodiversity
of mangroves. Common species are Rhizophora spp. (often dominates), Ceriops tagal,
Xylocarpus granatum, Lumnitzera littorea and Exoecaria agallocha.

Class 4: Inundation only during spring tides. Area generally too dry for Rhizophora spp., but
it may be present in low numbers. Common species are Bruguiera spp., Xylocarpus spp.,
Lumnitzera littorea and Exoecaria agallocha.

Class 5: Inundation only during equinoctial or other exceptionally high tides. Predominant
species are Brugeira gymnorrhiza (dominates), Instia bijuga, Nypa fruticans, Herritera
littoralis, Exoecaria agallocha, and Aegiceras spp.

18 Duration & Frequency

 2
Creating a similar figure like the one below appropriate to your
region will become a construction model for your rehab project. Hydrology

Extreme High Water

Mean High Water Spring
Mean High Water Neap
Mean Sea Level
Mean Low Water Neap

Min/max inundation
events/year

Mangrove zonation related to tidal datums in Sumatera, Indonesia

(modified from Whitten et al., 1987)

Example of Mangrove Zonation 19

3
DISTURBANCE
Step Three:
Assess modifications of the original
mangrove environment that currently
prevent natural secondary succession.
 3
Disturbance
Restoration
planning should first
look at the potential existence of
stresses such as blocked tidal
inundation that might prevent
secondary succession from
occurring, and plan on
removing that stress
before attempting
restoration.

Dike

No Mangroves

Stresses 21
 3
Disturbance

It is important to understand the past use of

the area. First and foremost was the area
intended for restoration actually a mangrove
area in the past. Oftentimes, mangroves
are planted in areas such as mud flats, salt
marshes, or lagoons assuming that the area
would be better off or more productive as
a mangrove forest. But mud flats have their
own ecological purposes such as a feeding
grounds for migratory shorebirds.

A Department of Forestry program in Thailand

unsuccessfully planted mangroves twice in
an area of salt pans, apparently not learning
from their mistakes.

22 Determining Stresses
 3
Many times; however, human activities have damaged or destroyed mangrove
ecosystems. Disused shrimp ponds, clear-cut mangrove areas for charcoal Disturbance
production, or mangroves which are drying out as a result of nearby changes in
hydrology (due to construction of dikes, levees, roads, upland deforestation) are all
areas where mangrove rehabilitation may be attempted. In these cases, before
planting mangroves or attempting another type of restoration it is imperative to
determine if the area is presently suitable for mangrove growth. If not, what are the
stresses preventing growth of mangroves? Work together with the local community
to help determine how the mangrove area has changed over time and why.

Examples of Stresses:
 Lack of groundwater
 Blockage of tidal exchange
 Hypersaline or acid sulfate soils
(usually after intensive shrimp farming)
 Overgrazing by goats, camels etc.
 Shoreline abrasion and lowered substrate level

The disused shrimp ponds in the following case study

were replanted by local and regional government five
(5) times unsuccessfully without addressing the root
causes of why mangroves did not grow in that area.
This “project-oriented” mindset, planting for the sake of
spending available budget is also a form of stress that
has to be overcome.

Determining Stresses 23
 3
1993
Disturbance

2003

Case Study: This 20 hectare shrimp pond complex in

Tiwoho, North Sulawesi was in operation for a period of 6
months during 1991. After abandonment the dike wall
nearest to the sea degraded due to stronger wave
action. Natural mangrove revegetation took place
within the 5 seaward ponds. A density of 2500 seedlings
per hectare was measured in 2000, with some trees
nearly 10 meters tall
The five leeward ponds have experienced little to no
natural regrowth due to the presence of intact dike walls
and deep channels robbing the landward mangroves of
regular tidal inundation.
2003

24 Case Study
 3
Reef Flat
The map to the left depicts Disturbance
2
the same disused shrimp
pond complex from Tiwoho,
North Sulawesi. 1

Illustrated are natural inflows

and outflows of tidal and
fresh water (numbered 1-4)
as well as disturbances to
normal tidal inundation. In
this case the disturbances
are both intact and partially
intact dike walls as well as
artificial tidal channels or
troughs. 3
4

The dike walls obviously

disturb tidal inundation by
blocking the natural entry
and exit of tidal waters. The 3
artificially low elevation of
the troughs rob the areas
mangrove
within the shrimp ponds of Terrestrial Edge cleared area/disused pond
tidal waters during times of bund/dike
the month when tidal fluc- artificial tidal channel
tuations are minimal. 1,2 main inlet/outlet
3,4 freshwater supply

Case Study 25
 3
Disturbance Options for restoration of aquaculture ponds include...

a) Simply restoring hydrologic connections

to impounded mangroves. Breaching dikes
and filling/blocking ditches.

b) The construction, by excavation of fill or back-

filling of an excavated area, to create a target
restoration site with the same general slope, and
the exact tidal elevations relative to a benchmark
as the reference site, thus insuring that the hydrology
is correct.

26 Restoration Options
 3
Disturbance

40 cm

Measure the average substrate

Mean High height in a nearby healthy mangrove
Tide (MHT) during a known tidal level and then
40 cm again during the same tidal level at
Measured substrate level your mangrove rehabilitation site to
of nearby mangrove forest determine a suitable substrate level
40 cm below as your target for hydrological
Mean High Tide restoration.

Taking Measurements 27
 3
Survey Techniques
Disturbance
You may wish to employ topographic survey techniques to
assist you in determining relative substrate elevation.
Two main types of survey techniques are:
A) Use of surveyor’s equipment; levels, transits, theodolites
B) Use of a water level; rubber tubing, water and meter
sticks. (low-tech method below)

How to Make and Use A Bucket and Hose Water Level

Material Requirements
You will need a standard plastic bucket and 12 metres (40 ft.) of 6 mm (1/4”) nylex
clear plastic tube or similar. Both items can be purchased from any major building
suppliers.

Instructions

1. Drill a hole in the bucket 50 mm (2”) up from the bottom. The hole size should be
slightly smaller than the plastic tube.

2. Slice one end of the plastic tube about 50 mm (2”) down. Fig 1 This enables the
tube to be threaded into the slightly smaller hole in the bucket. Fig 2

3. Pull the tube from the inside of the bucket until tight. Fig 3

28 Taking Measurements
 3
Method A: This method is good for determining a Datum Line which can be used as
a reference height when re-creating a sloped substrate. A “datum” is just a convenient
reference point for other elevation measurements. It is usually given the designation Disturbance
“O”, and thus an elevation 30 cm higher than the datum would correctly be called
+30cm relative to the datum. In some areas “surveyed datums” exist and can be
found and referenced. A marker is usually place to use as a reference point.

Place the bucket on a chair and fill to the top with water. The height of the bucket
does not matter.

Let the hose loose on the ground until water is

running out freely and all the air bubbles have
come through.   
Pick up the end of the hose and hold it against Post (1).

Mark the post where the water line

shows in the hose. This becomes Datum Height
the datum line (not the known
required height).
Mark the datum height on
post (2), and post (3) in the same Target Slope
way. You now have a level datum
line on all three objects.
You do not need the water level any more.
To re-create a sloped substrate, simply measure
up or down from the datum height marked on each post.
For instance if datum height is the Mean Sea Level, you may want to mark 5 cm above the datum line on
post (1), 5 cm below the datum line on post (2), and 15 cm below the datum line on post (3) to create a
slope that drops 10 cm between each post.

Taking Measurements 29
 3
Method B: This method is good for determining heights compared with a known
Disturbance benchmark in shrimp ponds, ditches, or in the mangrove forest.
- Pick up the end of the hose and hold in against a piece of rod
held up right on area (X).

- Mark a pencil line on the rod where the water line shows in the hose.
- Walk down the hill and do the same over area (Y).

- You will now have two pencil marks

on the rod. Whatever the distance
measures between the two marks, is
also the distance area (X) will need to
be dug down to be level with area (Y).

For more information on how to make and use a water level see; X Y
www.buildeazy.com/fp_waterlevel.html or
http://www.factsfacts.com/MyHomeRepair/WaterLevel.htm

30 Taking Measurements
4 
Hydro Rehab We
Design volunteer

Step Four:
Design the restoration program to restore
appropriate hydrology and, if possible, utilize
natural volunteer mangrove propagule
recruitment for plant establishment.
4
One basic theory behind hydrological rehabilitation is to recreate a natural
Hydro Rehab slope and substrate height which will support normal tidal flow, and the
Design natural re-establishment and growth of mangrove seedlings.

Dike walls of disused shrimp ponds need to be levelled, and ditches need to
be filled. If you can not level dike walls entirely, opening strategic breaches
may be enough to support the exchange of tidal waters and should lead


to further degradation of the dike walls over time.

Note:
The final graded
topography of a site
needs to be designed
to match that found in
an adjacent reference
forest and checked Spring Tides
carefully by survey
Target height Mean High Tide
during and at the and slope for
completion of rehabilitated (MHT)
substrate
construction.
Mean Low Tide
(MLT)

32 Regrading Substrate
 4
Hydro Rehab
Design

Tidal streams run through mangrove areas

from the terrestrial edge to the sea. They are
narrower upstream, widening as they meander
to the coast.

Tidal streams are fed from the landward edge

by ground water, springs, runoff and streams.
Because they are connected to the sea, tidal
streams facilitate the exchange of tidal waters
in and out of the mangrove area.

When tidal streams are disturbed, a mangrove

may dry out, and die over time.

Tidal Streams 33
4
Hydro Rehab


Design

The arrow in the diagram at right

indicates the historical flow of the
natural tidal stream.

The hashed lines indicate the path

of the desired tidal stream.

In the case of rehabilitating disused shrimp ponds, it may be enough to create “strategic breeches” in the
dike walls. In this case, less rather than more cuts in dikes is better. The reason is that the tidal prism (the
amount of water that can enter an opened pond between high and low tide) needs to be channeled to
the extent possible through a few key openings that are wider downstream than upstream. This mimics the
normal operation of tidal streams in mangroves (see previous page). Fewer openings produce greater
velocities as the flow is restricted, which in turn produces scouring, which keeps the human-made openings
open and reduces the chances of siltation and closure. Too many openings distribute the tidal prism over
many points, reduces the velocity, and induces less scour and more siltation.

34 Tidal Prisms
 4
Hydro Rehab
Design

A) Breaching of dikes without proper hydrological design.

B) Creation of a straight, unnatural looking canal.

Poorly Designed Project 35

4
Hydro Rehab
Design

Do It Right! Connect the ponds with the sea by creating well

designed tidal channels. Note the channels meander and
widen as they flow toward the sea.

36 Well Designed Project

 4
Fill in the ditches and breach the dike walls with... Hydro Rehab
plough Design


bulldozer This “x” indicates
hand tools strategic positions
to breach dike
walls in order
 to mimic the flow
of a historical tidal
 stream through the
mangroves. These
  natural tidal streams within
the mangrove are more
 narrow at the landward
edge spreading outward
 as they flow to the sea

 This figure
indicates
where ditches
mangrove
cleared area or artificial tidal
bund/dike channels need
to be filled.
1,2 historical tidal channel
3,4
Rehabilitation Planning 37
 4
Hydro Rehab
Design

Now it is time to act upon

your rehabilitation plan. If
you don’t have financial
resources for or access
to heavy equipment, you
may need to recruit com-
munity volunteers, university
students or ask for help
from the government.

Remember, you might

not need to re-grade the
entire rehabilitation area,
strategically breaching the
dikes to enhance tidal ex- ...implement the rehab plan!
change and filling deep
channels may suffice.
...take action!

38 Action Taking
5
Mangrove
Planting

Step Five:
Only utilize actual planting of propagules, collected seedlings, or cultivated seedlings
after determining (through steps a-d) that natural recruitment will not provide the
quantity of successfully established seedlings, rate of stabilization, or rate of growth
of saplings established as objectives for the restoration project.
 5
Determine by observation if natural seedling recruitment is occurring once the stress
Mangrove has been removed. This means monitoring. Are seedlings coming into the area? Are
Planting they taking root? What is the density of seedlings per hectare? You will probably want
a minimum of 1000 seedlings per hectare with 2500 seedlings per hectare as a good
figure. How are they growing? Have they survived the dry season?

Note: Even if mangroves survive for several

years in your rehab area they may remain
stunted or even die out unless hydrological
conditions are truly supportive of mangrove
growth.

If seedlings have established in the reha-

bilitation area, but at lower densities than
hoped for, you may consider planting. But
planting costs can double the overall cost
of a project and may limit the biodiversity
of the site due to competition from planted
mangroves (usually only one or two species)
with volunteer species (5-15 species).

If no seedlings have established in the area,

even though a natural seed source is nearby,
you will have to re-evaluate the effectiveness
of your hydrological rehabilitation. Perhaps
there are still blockages to normal tidal flow
or there is a disturbance in the seed source.

40 Assessing Natural Recruitment

 5
Mangrove
Planting
There already exist some excellent
guides to planting mangroves, which
we listed in the resources section at the
end of this booklet.

We have provided some tips nonethe-

less based on our experiences planting
mangroves.

Seed Stock - There are four sources of seeds/propagule for mangrove

planting;
 Raising seedlings in a nursery from local seed sources
 Direct planting of propagules
 Transplanting of wild seedlings
 Broadcast fruits/propagules directly on the water surface
during incoming tides.

Planting Considerations 41
 5
Mangrove
Planting

The following table gives a synopsis of the nursery method for various seedlings.
For more information see the JICA Manual “Nursery Method for Mangroves.”

Species Type of Months of Seed Indicators of Seed Selection Seed Storage

Seed Collection Maturity (max # days)
R. mucronata Viviparous S,O,N,D Yellow cotyledon, Length of hypocotyl > 50 cm 10
green hypocotyl
R. apiculata Viviparous D,J,F,M,A Reddish cotyledon Length of hypocotyl > 20 cm 5
Diameter: > 14mm
B. gymnorrhiza Viviparous M,J,J,A,S,O,N,D Reddish brown or 10
greenish red Length of hypocotyl > 20 cm
hypocotyl
C. tagal Viviparous A,S Yellow cotyledon, 10
Brownish green Length of hypocotyl > 20 cm
hypocotyl
S. alba Normal A,M,J, & S,O Float in water Fruit > 40 mm 5
A. marina Crypto- D,J,F Yellowish fruit skin Weight of seeds > 1.5 g 10
viviparous
X. granatum Normal S,O,N Wellow to brown fruit, Weight of seeds > 30 g 10
Float in water
Hachinhoe, Hideki et. Al., “Nursery Manual for Mangrove Species - At Benoa Port in Bali”
Ministry of Forestry and Estate Crops, Indonesia & Japan International Cooperation Agency (1998)

42 Mangrove Nursery Practices

 5
Mangrove
Planting

Summary of Nursery Practices Continued

Species Sowing Shading Watering Pest Control Remarks

R. mucronata Push  7 cm 50% at neap tide insects
into soil surface 2/3 of sides caterpillars
R. apiculata Push  5 cm 50% at neap tide -
into soil surface 2/3 of sides
B. gymnorrhiza Push  5 cm 30% at neap tide - Don’t forcefully re-
into soil surface 2/3 of sides move calyx
C. tagal Push  5 cm 50% at neap tide -
into soil surface 2/3 of sides
S. alba Push radicle lightly 30% twice a day rats, crabs Use wire mesh to keep
into soil surface whole sides caterpillars seed in place, add
30% cow dung to soil.
A. marina Lay on surface 30% fully once a day crabs
whole sides caterpillars
X. granatum Lay on surface, 30% fully once a day crabs
radicle downward whole sides
Hachinhoe, Hideki et. Al., “Nursery Manual for Mangrove Species - At Benoa Port in Bali”
Ministry of Forestry and Estate Crops, Indonesia & Japan International Cooperation Agency (1998)

Mangrove Nursery Practices 43

 5
TIPS FOR PLANTING MANGROVES
Mangrove
Planting

The collection and distribution by hand onto the water’s sur-

face of seeds or seedlings from natural collection areas
stimulates natural re-growth of mangroves. Propagules and
seeds suitable for collection are commonly found along
high tide lines. If an area lacks natural seed sources, seeds
may be collected from another area that has a lot of seeds,
transported to the restoration site, and as the tide turns and
flows into the restoration site, the seeds are broadcast onto
the water and allowed to float and find their own suitable
location for germination. It is a good idea to do this on a
series of different tides, like the neap, the spring, and several
in between during the month of maximum availability of
the seeds.

44 Broadcast of Seedlings
 5
TIPS FOR PLANTING MANGROVES
Mangrove
Planting

Avoid “J”-Roots
When placing the seed- Hole Size
ling in the prepared hole The prepared hole for
it is good for one person planting should be 1.5
times wider and 1.5 times
to hold the seedling so
deeper than the root ball
that the top of the root of the seedling.
ball is even with the sur- 1.5 x
face of the soil. It is also
important that the roots
be allowed to dangle 1.5 x
freely, straight into the Loose Soil
hole. Roots in contact It is common for people to
with the bottom of the stomp on the soil surface

X
hole will curl upward (like after planting a seedling.
the letter “J”) which may Compacting the soil in this
stunt growth or even kill way eliminates small air pockets

X
the plant. needed by the roots. It is best to lightly
back-fill soil into the hole so that the
hole is completely filled with loose soil.
Save the stomping for the dance floor!
Planting Holes 45
5
TIPS FOR PLANTING MANGROVES
Mangrove
Planting
No soil amendments
Except in the case of plant-
ing Sonneratia spp., do not
add compost or fertilizer when
planting mangrove seedlings.
Addition of fertilizer discourages
the roots from spreading to find
their own nutrients

2-meter spacing - random planting.

Mangroves do not naturally grow in straight
rows! Why plant them in straight rows?

Planting in straight rows can result in artificial

channelization between the rows which will
rob water from the mangroves.
2m
2m
46 Spacing & Soil

 M
Monitoring

Activities Remarks
Monitor mangrove species that develop Check correctness of original provenance of propagules and seed
Monitor growth as a function of time Parameters include the density, percent cover and species
composition of both planted and volunteer mangroves over time.
Monitor growth characteristics Include determination of stem structure, node production, phenology,
fruiting and resistance to pests
Record level of failure of saplings Provide a scientific explanation of failure
Record levels of rubbish accumulation Note source of rubbish and steps taken to minimize the problem
Adjust density of seedlings and saplings to Degree of thinning, replanting or natural regeneration should be
an optimum level noted. Growth should be monitored
Estimate cost of restoration project The estimation of costs should include all the undertakings including
site preparation, propagule collection, nursery establishment, field
transplantation, etc.
Monitor impact of any harvesting project This should be part of any long-term record for restoration
Monitor characteristices of the rehabili- This involves detailed measurement of fauna, flora and physical
tated mangrove ecosystem environment of the new mangrove ecosystem and comparison with
similar undisturbed mangrove ecosystems.

47
S
Summary

Advantages and disadvantages of natural regeneration

Advantages:
+ Cheaper to establish,
+ Less subsidy is needed in terms of labour and machinery,
+ Less soil disturbance,
+ Saplings establish more vigorously,
+ Origin of seed sources usually known.
+ Nature will plant the mangroves species in the correct tidal
zones. Only those mangroves in the correct zone will survive
through competition.

Disadvantages:
– Replacement may not be of the same species removed,
– Absence of mother trees may result in low/or no propagules supply,
– Genetically improved stock not easily introduced,
– Excessive wave action may cause poor establishment,
– Predation of propagules by macro benthos (e.g. crabs, snails etc),
– Less control over spacing, initial stocking and composition of seedlings.

48
 S
Emerging Restoration Principles
Summary
 Get the hydrology right first!

 Do not build a nursery, grow mangroves and just plant some area currently devoid
of mangroves (like a convenient mud flat). There is a reason why mangroves are not
already there or were not there in the recent past or have disappeared recently. Find
out why.

 Once you find out why, see if you can correct the conditions that currently prevent
natural colonization of the selected mangrove restoration site. If you cannot correct those
conditions, pick another site.

 Use a reference mangrove site for examining normal hydrology for mangroves in your
particular area. Either install tide gauges and measure the tidal hydrology of a reference
mangrove forest or use the surveyed elevation of a reference mangrove forest floor as a
surrogate for hydrology, and establish those same range of elevations at your restoration
site or restore the same hydrology to an impounded mangrove by breaching the dikes
in the right places. The “right places” are usually the mouths of historic tidal creeks. These
are often visible in vertical (preferred) or oblique aerial photographs.

 Remember that mangrove forests do not have flat floors. There are subtle topograph-
ic changes that control tidal flooding depth, duration and frequency. Understand the
normal topography of your reference forest before attempting to restore another area.

49
List of References - General List of References - General
Bengen, Dr. Dietrich G., “Pengenalan dan Pengelolaan Liyanage, PhD Sunil, “Planting Manual for the Mangroves
Ekosistem Mangrove,” Pusat Kajian Sumberdaya Pesisir of Sri Lanka,” MAP-SFFL Mangrove Resource Center - Small
dan Lautan - Bogor Institute of Agriculture, 2000 Fishers Federation of Lanka. 2000
Duke, N. 1996. Mangrove restoration in Panama. pp. Melana, Dioscoro M. et. Al, “Mangrove Management
209-232 In C. Field (ed.) Restoration of Mangrove Handbook,” CRMP Document No. 15-CRM/2000, Manilla
Ecosystems. International Society for Mangrove Philippines
Ecosystems, Okinawa, Japan. 250 pp.
Molony, Brett & Marcus Stevens, “Mangroves, Ecology of
Intertidal Forests” UNESCO Tropical Marine Studies: 4. 1995
Drs. Duong Quang Dieu, Phan Nguyen Hong, et al,
“Mangroves Are Easy To Plant, But Much Profitable”, an Primavera, Jurgenne H., et Al., “Handbook of Mangroves
educational comic by MERC, Vietnam National in the Philippines Panay,” SEAFDEC 2004
University, Hanoi, Apr. 1995
Soemodihardjo, S., P. Wiroatmodjo, F. Mulia, and M.K.
Hachinohe, Hideli et. Al., “Nursery Manual for Mangrove Harahap. 1996. Mangroves in Indonesia - a case study
Species at Benoa Port in Bali,” JICA & Ministry of Forestry of Tembilahan, Sumatra. pp. 97-110 In C. Fields (ed.)
and Estate Crops, Indonesia. 1998 Restoration of Mangrove Ecosystems. International Society
for Mangrove Ecosystems, Okinawa, Japan. 250 pp.
Hamilton, L. S. and S.C. Snedaker (eds.). 1984.
Handbook of mangrove area management. East West Taniguchi Keisuke et. Al., “Mangrove Silviculture” JICA &
Centre, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA. 123 pp. Ministry of Forestry and Estate Crops, Indonesia. 1999
IIRR, IDRC, FAO, NACA and ICLARM. “Utilizing Different Talbot, Frank 7 Clive Wilkinson, “Coral Reefs, Mangroves
Aquatic Resources for Livelihoods in Asia: A Resource and Seagrasses, A Sourcebook for Managers,” AIMS. 2001
Book.” 2001 Philippines 416 pp.
Tomlinson, P.B., “The Botany of Mangroves,” Cambridge
Keeley, Martin A., “Marvelous Mangroves in the Cayman University Press. 1986.
Islands, A Curriculum-Based Teachers’ Resource Guide.”
West Indian Whistling-Duck Working Group, Society of
Caribbean Ornithology. 2001
Kitamura, Shozo, et Al., “Handbook of Mangroves in
Indonesia,” JICA & ISME. 1997
List of References - Hydrological Restoration Papers For Further Information or Consultation
Stevenson, N.J. , R.R. Lewis, and P.R. Burbridge, “Disused Dr. Phan Nguyen Hong at CRES, Hanoi National
Shrimp Ponds and Mangrove Rehabilitation.” Wetlands Pedagogic University, 91 Nguyen Khuyen Str., Hanoi,
International-Africa, Europe and Middle East, PO Box Vietnam, fax 84-4256562
7002, Droevendaalsesteeg, 3a, 6700
CA, Wageningen, Nederland. Motohiko Kogo, Chairman, Action For Mangrove
Lewis, R. R. and Marshall, M. J. (1997). “Principles of Reforestation, 3-29-15-1104 Honcho, Nakano, Tokyo 164,
Successful Restoration of Shrimp Aquaculture Japan, extensive mangrove replanting work
Ponds Back to Mangrove Forests.” Programa/resumes
de Marcuba ’97, September 15/20, Palacio de Prof. Dr. Peter Saenger, Head of the Centre for Coastal
Convenciones de La Habana, Cuba. 126. Management, Southern Cross University, P.O. Box 157,
Lismore NSW 2480, Australia, fax 61-66-212669
Lewis, R. R., “Restoration of Mangrove Habitat,” ERDC
TN-WRP-VN-RS-3.2, October 2000 Roy R. “Robin” Lewis III, President, Lewis Environmental
Services, Inc., P.O. Box 400, Apollo Beach, FL, USA 33572.
Lewis, R. R., “Ecological Engineering for Successful Email: [email protected] Consultant and expert on
Management and Restoration of Mangrove
Forests,”Ecological Engineering 24 (2005) 403–418 mangrove restoration in Florida, Mexico, Cuba, US Virgin
Islands, Nigeria, Thailand, Vietnam and Hong Kong.
For more information on ecological/hydrological
mangrove rehabilitation see: Pisit Chansnoh, President of Yad Fon Association, 16/8
www.mangroverestoration.com Rakchan Road, Amphur Muang, Trang-92000,
Thailand, fax 66-75-219327 [email protected], expert
on community involvement

Dr. J.H. Primavera, Southeast Asian Fisheries Development

Center (SEAFDEC), Aquaculture Dept., P.O. Box 256, Iloilo
City, Philippines, fax 63-33-81340

Dr. Samuel Snedakar , University of Miami, Rosenteil

[email protected] School of Marine Sciences
world renowned mangrove expert
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