Coastalforest

Coastalforest, sometimes written as coastal forest, is a broad term for forest ecosystems that occur along coastlines where land meets sea. These ecosystems are influenced by marine conditions such as salt spray, wind, high humidity, and tidal fluctuations, and they span tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions.

In the tropics, mangrove forests dominate many coastlines and form complex, waterlogged root systems. In temperate zones, coastal forests may include evergreen or deciduous trees adapted to salt spray and sandy soils, often behind dunes or at estuary margins. Some regions house riverine or estuarine stands that are influenced by brackish water.

Ecology and adaptations: Plants exhibit salt tolerance and specialized roots (pneumatophores, prop or stilt roots). The zones support diverse fauna, including birds, crabs, fish, and invertebrates, while providing nursery habitat for many species. They also play a role in nutrient cycling and sediment stabilization.

Threats and conservation: Coastalforests face conversion to agriculture, urban development, and aquaculture, as well as pollution and sea-level rise. Climate change increases storm intensity and flooding, threatening canopy and soils. Conservation approaches include protected areas, restoration projects, sustainable harvesting, and community stewardship.

Terminology and research: The term coastalforest is used variably in literature. Some sources distinguish mangrove-dominated coastal forests from inland littoral forests and from temperate coastal forests to avoid confusion.