Mangrove forests are valued for the many ecosystem services they provide throughout tropical and sub-tropical coastlines. The immense loss of these ecosystems worldwide over the past century has given impetus for increased conservation attention and restoration efforts. Although these efforts have been successful in slowing the rate of mangrove loss, there still remain many challenges to effective restoration. In this study, we characterized the biophysical parameters necessary for mangrove seedling establishment and survival for a variety of species on a small island near Singapore in Southeast Asia. Through improved understanding of distribution dynamics and species-specific stress thresholds, we can better inform conservation and restoration efforts for this ecosystem.

Dr. Taylor Sloey is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at ODU. Her research focuses on understanding how wetland ecosystems, particularly plants, respond to environmental change and stressors in a context that informs restoration, management, and conservation. Her work ranges from the organism (ecophysiology) to community level and is often collaborative and interdisciplinary.

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