This study assesses the protective capacity of mangroves by incorporating their width,

height, and health. It reveals that while mangrove area remained relatively stable, the

coastal protection capacity declined by 25% from 2007 to 2019 due to significant

decreases in height and biomass. This decline poses risks for coastal regions,

particularly those vulnerable to climate change and human activities. These findings

underscore the urgent need for enhanced conservation efforts to preserve mangrove

ecosystems and their protective functions.

A new study shows the total global SOC stock of 1 m in the world’s tidal marshes to be 1.44 Pg C. On average, SOC in tidal marshes’ 0–30 cm and 30–100 cm soil layers are estimated at 83.1 Mg C ha⁻¹ and 185.3 Mg C ha⁻¹, respectively.

Global estimates of salt marsh organic matter decomposition dynamics can be improved by taking into account the differences in decomposition rates among litter types, according to an in situ manipulative experiment in a French temperate salt marsh

We identified the function of mangrove ecosystems that underpin ecosystem services, their responses to extreme weather and climatic events, and their role as crucial social-ecological systems as important paradigms shaping mangrove research now and in times to come. Since themes around functions and connectivity, ecological resilience to extreme events, and human–environment interactions are likely to be important underpinnings for other coastal and terrestrial ecosystems too, this paper aims to promote discussion within and beyond the mangrove research community and to help the broader plant science field in viewing and understanding the issue of safeguarding mangrove forests for the future.

A large dataset of aquatic biodiversity across multiple trophic levels from several wetlands in Brazil reveals that biodiversity–multifunctionality relationships break down with human pressures.