Study of gray mangrove (Avicennia marina) afforestation for greening of desert coasts: afforestation with gray mangroves combined with aquaculture waste water for ecosystem establishment

Published source details Tamaei S. (2004) ヒルギダマシ植林による砂漠沿岸緑化に関する研究 : 養殖廃水を利用したヒルギダマシ植林と形成された生態系. Japanese Journal of Ecology, 54, 35-46.
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This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

	Action	Category
	Introduce tree/shrub seeds or propagules: brackish/saline wetlands Action Link

Introduce tree/shrub seeds or propagules: brackish/saline wetlands

A replicated study in 1985–2001 in five coastal sites in the United Arab Emirates (Tamaei 2004) reported that most sown grey mangrove Avicennia marina seeds germinated, and that the average height of the few surviving trees increased over time. Statistical significance was not assessed. Across the five sites, the germination rate ranged from 65% to 92%. Survival rates of germinated seedlings ranged from <1% to 27% after 5–8 years. The study suggests grazing by gazelles Gazella sp. and vandalism as causes of mortality. Surviving trees reached a height of 98–287 cm after 5–8 years, and 5.7–5.8 m after 13–16 years (one site only). Methods: Between 1985 and 1996, grey mangrove seeds were sown into five coastal sites (including one in the wastewater channel of a research centre). The seeds were collected from local mangrove trees, then buried 3 cm deep and 25–150 cm apart in the middle of the intertidal zone. Salinity was 40–45 ppt. At least 1,420 seeds were sown in each site. Germination rates were recorded 35–40 days after sowing. Surviving plants were counted, and height of 20 healthy seedlings measured, for up to 16 years.

(Summarised by: Nigel Taylor)