APTER TNREE

In the Caribbean, solar panels can be seen on

INTRODUCTION TO the roofs of many houses. These are mostly
NATURAL RESOURCES to harvest the
solar-powered water heaters designed
energy of the Sun to heat water for domestic use,
WHAT ARE NATURAT RESOURCTS? N on-renew able our c e s
re s

A resource is anything that is useful in the Other resources are in limited or finite supply.
production ofthe goods and services that They can only be used once. When they are gone
reople consume. Natural resources are not they cannot be replaced. They are called non-
nanufactured but occur naturally. They include renewable resources and they include fossil fuels
:lants, animals, fossil fuels and minerals in the such as coal, oil and natural gas.
:arth's surface, and the Sun's energy. Tiinidad and Tobago has the iargest supply of
fossil fuels in the Caribbean.
-:. its widest sense, the term resource also includes
:.::ie themselves, their energy, skills and
: - .::DriSe.
{.:serves are known resources that are
: ::.iCered exploitable under current economic
.: : :echnological conditions.
" ::serve is that portion ofthe resource that is
:,:.:rfied and from which usable materials can be
: :.-:-ted, legally and economically, at the time of
: : -ftion.

TYPES AND EXAMPIES OF

F{ATU RAt RESOU RCES

i.mewable resources
i::.: resources are in infinite supply and can
:o :;ed again and again. These are renewable
of the
'e>ources and they include the power t Figure 3.2 Fish - a natural resource
i *:, :ides, wind and geothermal energy from hot
ORICIN' OF NATURAT RESOURCE'

Natural resources with biological origins

All natural resources are part of the environment'
They include timber, minerals, the soil and solar
radiation.
Some of these resources are of biological origin'
They include agricultural resources that are
produced on farms or piantations, such as cotton,
wool, rubber, coffee, citrus and bananas.
Jamaica is known for its blue mountain coffee,
Antigua and Belize for bananas, Tiinidad for cocoa
and Guyana and Barbados for sugarcane.
Manufactured resources are made by people'
They include machinery and other goods
= : Domestic solar Power produced in workshops or factories.
Bioprospecting
This is the search for plants and animal species
from which medicinal drugs and other important
compounds can be obtained.
Weathering
Weathering is the disintegration and decay of
rocks on the Earth's surface. This leads to the
formation of soiis but, by weakening the surface,
it also makes material available for removal or
transportation by wind or water.
The production of basic soils is one function of
weathering. This is clearly of great environmental
and economic importance. Another function of
weathering, also of great economic importance, is
the production of many of the mineral ores that
people exploit.
The weathering processes change as the depth
below the surface increases. Near the surface,
weathering takes place in an oxygen-rich
environment while, deeper down, there is a lack of
oxygen.
As acidic surface water travels down through
soils and weathered rocks, it dissolves soluble
chemicals and carries them with it. This process
is called leaching. As a result, in some higher
zones, chemicals are depleted, while in deeper
zones chemicals can accumulate. The effects of
weathering and leaching can be seen by digging
a hole down through the surface and lower soil
layers. The soil structure and colour changes
with depth and, in some cases, distinct layers or
horizons can be distinguished.
t Figure 3.3 Erosion by'wind-borne 1 ,-ticles
Depending on the composition of the paren:
and local conditions, weathering can produc:
aluminium-rich deposits such as bauxite, as 'i ji
as nickel, iron, cobalt and copper deposits.
t
WAYS OF USING NATURAL
RESOU RCE'
Most resources are in limited supply; we car
choose to use them all up, or to use them sp--
so that the supplies ofthese resources are
available for as long as possible. Some resou:-:.
for example, timber, fish or water, can rene\\'
themselves if we ensure that the rate at whic:. 'nt
use them is less than or equal to the rate ?t ri'-- 3;
they regenerate.
These two approaches to using resources can :t
described as consumptive and non-consump
Consurnptive
The use of resources in a way that diminishes
the resource is called consumptive. The resou:::
is consumed or diminished by the use made of
it. Mineral resources can generaily only be use-
consumptively because, even if there is some
natural process of renewal, it will be slower rh.:
the rate ofuse.
#
.H
I Figure 3.4 l'4ining is consumptlve use of resources.
An example of consumptive use is bauxite.
Although there are large reserves, the supply witl
one day run out. The only solution is to minimise
the world requirement for bauxite and its refined
product, aluminium. This will happen, to some
extent, because the price of bauxite will increase a.
supplies diminish. However, recycling all
aluminium waste will also help to reduce the
demand for bauxite and extend the life of the
reserves.
CHAPTER } NnTUReI RE50URCEs OF THE CARIBBEAN 85
 \on-consumptive
.:. some cases, resources can last indefinitely
:€;ause they are being renewed as fast as they are
--:nsumed. This type of use is called non-
:-:sumptive. It applies to energy sources such as
',-,rd, heat from the Sun, and energy from stored
,.::er and from tides. it also applies to
:-:logically produced resources such as forests
-rd agricultural crops, where regrowth will
:=:lace the resources used.
an be
mptive.
hes
;ource
of
u sed
ne
' : q!Te 3 5 l"'lak ng use of crops is non-consumptive use
r than :' -esoJrces,
Jonsumptive use of natural resources can lead to:
+ loss of species (extinction) or loss of genes,
resulting from extensive and uncontrolled use
of natural biodiversity
+ imbalance and disruptionto food chains, as
.onsumptive use of resources interferes with
:he natural balance in feeding relationships.
CONSUMPTION: CON'EQU ENCE'
FO R TH E NATU RAt
ENVI RONtv\ENT
Depleting resources
Human activities throughout the centuries have
affected the Earth. The Earth's resources have
been plundered and depleted, with very grave
es,
consequences for both humans and the planet.
The relationship between the Earth and humans
ply wtll has a dual nature. Human activities affect the
inimise Earth and its resources; in turn, the availability
refined of such resources affects humans and their
some livelihood. Humans use the gifts of nature, such
Icrease as
as land, minerals, water, air, and the oceans, but
they are very dependent on these resources for
the their survival. The more these resources are used
the up, the fewer remain available for others to use.
Private and public good
Consumption may be for public, private or
mixed good. The public good and the private
good are two extreme ends of the continuum.
A pure public good is a good or service such as
public parks and defence. The consumption of
a public good by one individual does not reduce
its availability to others in society. A private
good exists at the other end of the continuum
and is a good or service whose consumption
by one individual results in the reduction of its
supply to others. The more of a private good
that is consumed by one individual, the less of it
is available for others to consume. Somewhere
in the continuum between a publ.ic good and a
private good is a mixed good. This is a good or
service that has elements of both private and
pubiic good. A public good may contain some
private good content, while a private good may
possess some degree of 'publicness'.
The consequences of consumption, for both the
public and private good, will have a considerable
impact on future generations. When a private
good is consumed, it excludes consumption by
others. When a public good is consumed, it may
leave the resource available for use by others, but
consumption can affect the quality of the resource
in question.
The use ofresources, such as oil, gas, and forests
for wood, implies that these resources are no
longer available for public use. (In the longer
term, of course, forests may regrow.) Future
generations are deprived ofthe use and benefits
of such resources. This can affect not only
people's livelihood, now and in the future, but
also the culture of an entire area. For example,
the availability of water (rivers, beaches and
lakes) can lead to leisure and sporting activities
such as skiing, fishing, sailing, bathing and
boating, but can also allow people to earn a
livelihood through activities such as tourism and
fishing. An economy can become very dependent
on activities that emanate from the availability
of such resources. Any action impacting on the
availability of such a resource can therefore have
serious implications for economies, as well as the
liveiihood of individuals.
Inconsiderate use ofresources for the public good
also affects people. The air and beaches ofa land
are part of its public goods. The population of a
country is free to consume such resources. People
are allowed to breathe the air freely, while they
are also allowed the use of the country's beaches.

EAN 86

&
 The trans-generational impact of disasters
The use that is made of such resources needs to
be considered so that resources are not degraded such as Chernobyl and Bhopal is felt over time'
through misuse. Subsequent generations to the one immediatelr
injured are affected, through genetic modificatic:
..,r-.:.;r;:i..,!.,,rj:r3itrr.:.r:ri:1,:r.,:.rt:ia::lr:a:i1ii:1 ..:.,'.:)t::r.: :,a..a;,.;:,.'.:.,:L:::L,ll]:t::r.li:tL:{:
:Lti:::i ':al:t;t'll'.::::tii::,i f..:t i,illrifti..::;:l:,i;i, or birth defects.

ltr'iirtit:.1::t,r!r:tt::tiirii.ti

t Figure 3.6 Caribbean beach

t Figure 3,7 Remains of the Union Carbide plant, rn Bhc: '
The impact of major pollution incidents
Side effects of economic activitY
When industries are present in a country, and
The impact of industry may be positive, in that
environmental legislation is absent or not
enforced, this can affect the quality of public
it provides revenue for a country as well as
employment for its people' However, the cost
goods. The emissions from a factory or refinery can
of Juch activity, especially when environmental
iffect air quality and the health of those breathing
legislation is not being enforced, is environmenti
the air. Emissions can add harmful chemicals to
degradation. Economists call such types of side
the air in a local area. Unfortunately, the impact
effect negative externalities resulting from
is not restricted to any one location and may
economic activity. For example, while agriculture
also affect populations in other areas, through
provides food for humans, much of the run-off
transboundary pollution.
from agricultural land contains fertilisers and
This term is applied when pollution is transported pesticides that are harmful to the environment an:
by the wind, as was the case in the Chernobyl
which sometimes enter the food chain.
disaster (1986). This was the world's worst
nuclear power accident and occurred in the N eed for sustainabilitY
Ukraine, part of what was then the Soviet Union'
Today the Earth's population is in excess of
The accident killed more than thirty persons
6.1 billion persons. Resources throughout the
immediately and the high radiation levels meant
world are not equitably distributed and, where
that 135 000 persons within a 2O-mile radius
such resources are available, they are not always
had to be evacuated. In this accident, radioactive
being used in accordance with the concept
material was dispersed over a wide area and the
of sustainable development. The Brundtland
impact was felt as far away as Sweden. It is claimed
Report defines sustainable development as
thit pollution by wind-borne radioactive materials 'development that meets the needs of the present
resulted in an increased incidence ofcancer in
without compromising the abiiity of future
Sweden that is still being felt after more than 20
generations to meet their own needs' (World
years.
Commission on Environment and Development).
In the Bhopal Incident (1984), there was a leak The indiscriminate use of resources leads to its
of toxic gas into the environment. The Bhopal unavailability to future generations. Mankind
plant, in India, was owned and operated by the needs to address his patterns of consumption so
US .o-p"tty, Union Carbide. On the night of 3 that he can engage in a more sustainable lifestyle:
Decembir 1984, aholding tank overheated and one that wili not lead to degradation of the
released a heavy gas, which poured out along the environment and depletion of its resources. In the
ground. The incident caused about 15 000 deaths words of Mahatma Gandhi: 'Earth provides for every
and injured around 160 000 PeoPle. man's need, not for every man's greed.'

CHAPTER } NATURAL REsOURCEs OF THE CARIBBEAN 87


MA'OR CATEGORI E5 OF
NATURAL RESOURCES
Ecosvsre rvrs
Forests
- :day, forests occupy approximately one-third
,: Earth's land area, they account for over two-
::"irds of the leaf area of land plants and contain
.:out 70%o of carbon present in living things.
::ests also affect water resources through their
.::iitv to:
r assist in cloud formation and hence influence
:re amount of precipitation
* :cilitate recharge of aquifers and decrease soil
::osion in watersheds and so maintain the
--uality of water in rivers.
-:,= rhree major types of forest are classified
i:::rding to latitude:
* :td_t!tt'*.!1e*.:
::opical
+ .::nperate
- ::rea1 (taiga).
l::pical forests
- - .: :\'pe of forest occurs near the equator. The
. --aric conditions are typically tropical, with
-
i:... and dry seasons. Average temperatures
-i--,.: between 20 and 25oC. The iength of
',, -.eht is about 12 hours.
The forests provide homes for millions of plants
and animals. The biodiversity present in a tropical
forest is far greater than in other types of forest.
These forests, although covering only 6Vo ofthe
Earth's surface, contain between 50 and 90%
of ail species of plants and animals. However,
many birds, insects and mammals are threatened
with extinction because of deforestation, fires,
infrastructural development and pollution.
Tropical rainforest occurs where the average
temperature is high and relatively constant
throughout the year and where rainfall is high
and relatively frequent throughout the year'
In the Caribbean, tropical rainforest is evenly
spread throughout the region. It is more common
and dense in mountainous regions such as the
Northern Range forest in Tiinidad and the heights
of the Blue Mountains in Jamaica, but the largest
area of all is in Guyana.
See student's essay on rainforests on Page I 29 at the
Temperate forests
Temperate forests occur in eastern North
America, north-eastern Asia and western and
central Europe.
The climate of the temperate forests is
characterised by a well-defined winter period.
Temperatures vary considerably across the
geographic areas but, at the most extreme, range
from -30"C in winter to 30'C in summer. Flora
are characterised by three to four tree species
per square kilometre. Tiees are distinguished by
broad leaves, lost annually in winter and include
such species as oak, maple, beech and chestnut.

'-r': i

9re sa:"--

^-.;
.t- i'l

t.:^j
l\lt lu
i--
^"i^- '
l,t!v"
, rlPi-. :

1- --*
Ce:. r.. -" i.8 Rainforest
=
95 f.^r ;''t* t Figure 3.9 Temperate forest
 eco3ystem and, ir-r titne'
their skeletal remains'
cemented
Boreal forests or talga ::;;i;ilf,nln",'r ir'" f olvps' become
in a broad-belt across to["trt"t tc 'orm coral reefs'
Boreal forests can be found
i"t"ti" ".a North America' between.latnld"-::^ ,-
the forests are 1n
Fact
io; 6o; north' Two-thirds of are about 70c species of reef-building
coral'
Scandinavia' Alaska and
There
""i
Siberia, with the '""'i" reei fringing reefs' barrier
into short' moist and There are three types of
canada. Seasons "'" ii"iata
and long' cold winters' reefs and atolls'
moderately warm summers aiong sircrelines'
very low' Soils are frozen + fringirrg reefs form borders
when temperatures are some
;;;;t and plants are unable
to absorb water * Barrier reef"s are found further offshore'
r,o- ti*J mass' and are separated
during this Period' kilometres
of irom th" shore bY a deeP lagoon'
with latitude and exffemes
Trees species vary
t::ll"jt:..t:ton"' with any visible land
winter temperature'^Eu"'g'""" in the northern
*' Atolls are not associatedfrom a ring of coral
with the deciduous larch'"dominate
while deciduous birches
-"*. fft"y are formed
t"t"tt'"t t"goon' The islands
and more extreme areas' islands
""tto'i"g " mountain peak=
in more southerly regions' develop o,t sn*oi' t"U-"tg-"a
"r".ornrnon that need wa.rm water
Corals are living organisms
their life- functions'
food and light to pJ'fot-
or salinity' oxygen
water temperature, saltiness
factors' as is the
content and clarity are crucial
sea bed on which to
grow'
pt"l"t." "r a hard
Coralreefsarehometomanydifferentcolourfulstars'
tp"."t of fish, sea whips' fans' brittle sponges anc
molluscs, sea urchins' '"" "n"tones'
jellYfish'
;;;i;;;"'ine algae' as well as
reefs act as a^barcier'
Most importantiy' coral
from the buffeting and
protecting ,f'" to"Jin"
also as-home and
erosive action ot *"u"' and
fish and shellfish'
nursery to many 'p"ti"' of
t-

i Figure 3 lO Boreal forest

Coral reefs
o.f shallow-^water
Coral reefs are a unique rype and
;;;t;;;, generallv'restikted to truPical
the water
;"f"*;;;,;;pical regions' where18"C'
below
ffi"o,ut" never falls are found fairly
In cold-water regions' corals
alth-ugh the
extensively at greater depths' than in
ilil;;it".r", o' banks are much smaller
and the coral species are
different'
l-p;;; tFigure3lI Acoralreef
a tiny coral animal
ift" ,i-pt"rt unit of the reef iscalcium carbonate Almost 6OVo ofthe world's reefs
are threatened
.iLJ " i,.rvp' These extract fu ,,"h coastal development and
;;;;-';J;;ier to build calcareous skeletal cups "' over-
".riviri"t fishing practices' including
them to ;'";;.,i""
i;;;h they live' Their iife cvcle allows
to produce coral
of resources' as well as manne
from the land
reproduce, sexually "nJ"tt*""uy' "*pioit"tion
pollution, UlanteffiLy sediments
In additional
animals and new p"iipt '"tptctively'
algae (piants) and natural ai'"""t! 'utft "t the destructive effects
to rhese coral animil calcareous the coral of hurricanes'
;;';;;;;ute to the formation of
89
OF THE CARIBBEAN
CHAPTER 3 NATURAL RE'OURCES
 There are a number of coral reefs in the
Caribbean area, including the Buccoo reef in
Tobago, the reefs of the Bahamas, the barrier reef
off the coast of Belize and the reefs ofJamaica and
Bonaire. All these reefs are different'because of
rhe different environmental conditions that apply
ar each location. There are great variations in the
abundance offish and coral species between sites.
Functions of coral reef ecosystems in the
Caribbean
+ They provide coastal and beach protection.
o They help to buffer and reduce impact of
waves on the beach and along the coast.
o They reduce erosive action of waves and help
preserve beaches.
. They produce sediment, so helping to
nourish, stabilise and protect beaches and
the coastal environment and improve coastal
protection.
+ They provide nursery and feeding areas for
i.t I
fisheries.
o They provide a nursery and habitat for
and fisheries. The conditions in coral reef
ecosystems are good for juvenile fishes and
other marine species.
l . The sediment and nutrient loads accumulate
from coastal run-off and from algae.
r The variety ofspecies present feeding
opportunities for both predator and prey in
symbiotic relationships and interactions.
* They suppo( recreation and tourism
activities.
I Coral species are attractive and varied.
r Tourists and residents snorkel and dive to see
the many species.
. Sport-fishing opportunities are presented,
due to the variety of fish species.
o Tourists engage in other activities (for
example, using glass bottomed boats) that
are dependent on the presence ofthe coral
reefs.
* They support food fisheries.
o Coral reefs are habitats for many fish species.
ned
d
. Some reef fishes have a high food value and
are therefore harvested by both commercial
and subsistence fi shermen.
:land
e effects
AN 89
Human impacts on coral reef ecosystems
Human activities have a major impact on reefs.
Some important activities are listed below.
* Coastal vegetation is cleared, to provide land
for construction of coastal infrastructure
(hoteis, marinas, houses) and inland forests
are cleared for timber. As a result of inland and
coastal development, and loss of vegetation
cover, soil erosion increases and so does the
amount of sediment that enters waterways and
the sea. Corals cannot tolerate hear,y sediment
ioads. The corals are stressed and eventually
die due to increased mucus production,
bacterial and fungal infections.
* Sewage (treated and untreated) and waste
from industrial and domestic sources are
dumped into coastal mangrove vegetation
and coastal waters. This results in pollution
and eutrophication. Bacteria in the sewage
proliferate and adversely affect corals,
eventually killing them. The increased
sewage loads also lead to increased nutrient
content and therefore promote eutrophication
and increased algal growth. This results in
unbalanced coral reef ecosystems.
* Corals are harvested for tourist souvenirs and
this results in damage to and degradation of
reefs. Due to growth in the tourism industry
and an increase in the tourist arrivals in some
countries, there is an increased need for
souvenirs. As more tourists snorkel and dive,
some take pieces of coral for themselves. This
illegal activity damages the structure of the
reef and makes the coral vulnerable to other
impacts, as the species diversity of the reef is
altered.
Methods for conserving coral reef ecosystems
* Develop and establish coastal and marine
protected areas.
Protected areas will only permit compatible
uses. This will reduce the level of use and
impact on the coral reef. Conflicting uses
will be eliminated and rehabilitation and
restoration measures can be implemented. The
reef will experience reduced levels of stress and
so can rejuvenate over time.
* Undertake mandatory environmental impact
assessment for all coastal development
projects. This allows potential impacts to be
identified early and for mitigation measures to
be identified, developed and implemented.
* Controi and regulate activities in and around
areas of coral reefs through implementation of
buffer zones and restricred access zones. This
will reduce likely damage from boat anchors,
illegal harvesting of corals and illegal fishihg.
This wiil aiiou' the coral reef time to recover.
* Employ education and awareness programmes
to educate and make people more aware of
the benefits and value of these ecosystems.
Information packets and brochures may be
prepared and disseminated to all stakeholders.
When people are aware of the value of these
ecosystems, they may be more inclined to
participate in conserr ation measures.
t Any other appropriate conservation method.
lMetlsnds
Wetlands is a comprehensive term for landforms
such as salt marshes, swamps, bogs, prairie
potholes and vernal poois. Their common feature
is that they are wet for at least part of the year and,
as a result, have a particular type ofvegetation
and soil. Wetlands form important habitats for
many species of plants and animals, while serving
a variety of natural functions for other ecosystems
and people.
t Fgure 3.12 Car^ibbear rn",etland Nariva Slvamp,Trinidaci
Although wetlands occupy a relatively small
portion of Earth's land area, they are important
in the biosphere. In the oxygenless soils, bacteria
survive that cannot live in our high-oxygen
atmosphere. These bacteria carry out chemical
reactions such as the production of methane and
hydrogen sulphide gases, which have important
effects in the biosphere. It was wetlands that, in
the geological past, produced the vegetation that is
roday [ound a' coal.
CHAPTER
Despite wetlands having a high water table, they
are home to many people. The wetland biome
can produce many edible plants, as well as plants
that produce materials useful for making objects
such as baskets and other containers. Wetlands
also produce animals, including fish, conch and
wildfowl, that are used for food.
Although wetlands produce many natural
products, peopie have also started to farm on and
near wetlands because of the availability of water
and the high levels of nutrients in the soil.
Sen-grass beds
Although actually under the sea, sea-grass beds
are part of wetland ecosystems. The habitat is
extremely productive because of the iarge amouni
ofphotosynthesis and carbon fixation that occurs
there. The sea-grasses also act as a'nursery' for
many fish and shellfish species that are importan:
to man commercially and for recreational
purposes. The sea'-grass beds support a wide
variety of organisms.
t Fgure 3.13 Sea-grass
Sea-grasses are submerged flowering plants, with
well-defined root and shoot systems, that have
evolved and adapted to life in the sea. There are
six species of sea-grass in the Caribbean. They
form habitats and nurseries for recreationally anc
commercially important finned fish and shellfish.
including commercial species such as queen
conchs, semete crabs, lobsters and shrimps.
Sea-grass beds are also:
* major primary producers in the coastal
environment - their high primary productivin
rates are linked to a high production rate offis-
* stabilisers of bottom sediments - they provide
protection against erosion along the coastline
} NATURAL RESOURCES OF THE CARIBBEAN
 + important nutrient sinks and sources - they Mangroves are threatened by land-based pollution
help in the recycling of nutrients. caused by:
Its The loss and destruction of many sea-grass * soil erosion, which can cause heavy
L: communities can be attributed to the impact sedimentation
;
lt
of human activities. These include fhysical * agricultural run-off (pesticides/fertilisers)
disturbance caused by the anchoring ofboats * plastics and styrofoam containers that clog
and by their propeilers, complete destruction
waterways and may be ingested by organisms
by dredging and sand mining for coastal
.n: construction, heat and oil pollution and the
* industrial effluents that contain toxic organic
compounds and hear,y metals
release of excessive quantities of organic
materials such as sewage. * rubbish or garbage dumped by people into
rivers and other waterways.
Mangroves
S These are specialised wetlands that occur on
or near the coast, where rivers pour their fresh
u:: water into the sea. Mangroves grow where there
Irs is a mixture of fresh and salt water. The trees
r:- and other plants have specialised roots that can
survive immersion in seawater at high tide and
exposure and drying at low tide. Swamps formed
by mangroves provide habitats for many kinds
of sealife and are important for the maintenance
of commercial fisheries in the Caribbean. The
Caribbean mangroves are a major breeding
ground and nursery for many fishes, a sanctuary
for nesting and migrating birds and a home for
insects.
i Figure 3, l5 Disposal of rubbish in rivers

Caribbean wetlands
i
What is a wetland?
A wetland is any place that is regularly flooded
with fresh, brackish or salty water. Wetlands
are also known as swamps (with trees) or
marshes (with mostly grasses). They are found
on coastal plains, mountain slopes and even
'irh mountain peaks. Coastal wetlands are found
: on shores and coastal plains and montane
re wetlands are found in the mountains.
Wherever standing water gathers, a wetland
ard can form. Some wetlands are permanent,
<h
t Figure 3, | 4 Ylangroves
others are seasonal and some appear only very
Humans use the mangroves for harvesting fish
rarely, after exceptionally heavy rainfall or high
such as tiiapia, shellfish such as oysters and
tides. Though their appearances may vary, all
crabs, the hunting ofbirds, recreation and,
wetlands are saturated with water for at least a
most recentiy, for ecotourism. Mangroves are
week every year during their growing season.
also important in filtering and slowly releasing
1r\' The soils are called hydric soils. Oxygen and
sediments from the land into the sea. Mangroves
fish ofner atmospheric gases qrrruse
other armosPnenc more srowly
diffuse mQre slowly i
form a transitional zone between land and sea
in water than in air, so hydric soils have an
ide and can help prevent flooding by the sea, by ;
anaerobic top layer.
1e providing a water catchment area. 1
 Description an4 habrtat
and tidal
;Trees tbund in saity
I areas along coasts', coastal
i ,ivers, streams, tidal creeks'
I uround ponds and lagoons and
on coastal caYs and islets'
--*ou", Thev are dominated bY four
,p"ii., - red, black, white and
button or buttonwood'
Lagoons, salt Shallor'r' bodies of water near
ponds, salinas the coast.
and sounds Surrounding vegetation maY
t Figure 3, l5 Caribbean wetlands' Ci6naga deZapata' include mangrove' shrubs'
Cuba and sedges, dePending on
.n
conditions.
Unusual plants, called hydrophytes' ItoY l from
soil or in water; thiy vary in size Mud flats or ft*t" verY shailow are found
"r,""roUi.
the tiny pondweeds to large mangrove
trees'
tidai flats in areas aiong or near the
The type of wetland and its formation
in a, shoreline that are exPosed
on the climate' salinity' durins low tide'
;;rifi;t area dependsofflooding soil type'
iid"l,"ng", frequ-ncy Estuaries Shallow, muddY, intertidal
*"u"t, frequency oj nJel 1L1uman areas, formed bY the
"*porrr.J,o atiects accumulation of silt at the
disturbance. The wetland's hydrology
of floods and mouth of large rivers'
il;;;;, depth and duration of nutrients
;;;" ,# salinity, the availability May include mangroves and
;;;h; way thai energy flows through .the
that freshwater marshes'
,ur,"*. This determines the plant species and Channels that carrY seawater
;turn determining the sPecies Tidal creeks
;;;; into and out of a wedand,
.,.r-lb"rt of animals found there' according to the tides' UsuallY
in the fringed with mangroves'
The main types of wetland found
Caribbean Freshwater A freshwater Pond or lake that
in the and brackish becomes filled with rotted or
There are many types of wetlands
common include mangroves marshes floating herbs and grasses,
Caribbean. The most
habitats such as lagoons'- salt such as bulrushes or cattails'
"nJ"rro.i"red marshes' mudflats' phragmites, water lilies, water
p""Jt, A"tf. and brackish
hyacinth and water lettuce or
;;1i""; and sounds as well as freshwater marshes
and swamP forests of manY kinds'
Tkees growing in areas
permalnentlY flooded with fresh
water. SPecies comPosrtlon
varies among the islands'
i Table 3.I Wetland habitats

Barbados
t Figure 3.17 Caribbean wetlands'
] NETUNRI RESOURCES OF THE CARIBBEAN
CHAPTER