How do mangrove forests protect coastlines from erosion?

Mangrove forests grow in salty coastal zones where few other trees can survive. Their tangled root systems act like natural barriers, slowing water and trapping sediment that would otherwise be washed away. Because the roots absorb wave energy, mangroves can reduce shoreline erosion and help buffer coastal communities from storm surges. They also provide nursery habitat for fish, crabs, and other marine life. In many tropical regions, mangroves are one of the most important natural defenses along the coast.