About the Project

Mangrove ecosystems of the greater Caribbean region face growing threats from increasingly frequent tropical cyclones. The resilience of these ecosystems is being tested by the combined effects of cyclones, sea level rise, hydrologic changes, and coastal development. In 2017, Jobos Bay NERR and Rookery Bay NERR sustained severe impacts from Hurricanes Maria and Irma, respectively. Just five years later, both reserves were again impacted by powerful hurricanes (Hurricanes Fiona and Ian). Both reserves realized a need to understand storm impacts and recovery trends in mangrove forests. A team of scientists, managers, and educators from Florida and Puerto Rico came together to address this need through the Mangrove Coast Collaborative project and the Limits to Resilience project. These projects have strengthened partnerships between the two reserves, increased understanding of the factors influencing recovery from hurricanes in Puerto Rico and Florida, and informed management to better maintain resilient mangrove forests.

About the Resource

Project lead Danielle Ogurcak and other project team members give an introduction to "Limits of Resilience: Uncertain recovery in mangrove ecosystems following repeated hurricane disturbance."