Abstract
Inadequacies in conventional red mangrove replenishment methods are primarily a result of their sensitivity to water depth, tidal action, wrack, and wave activity. A major problem in successful planting is the difficulty in finding suitable locations with adequate and appropriate environmental conditions favorable to the rooting and sustenance of the mangrove during its early stages of development. To have any potential of establishing thriving mangroves when using conventional methods, the seedlings must be planted only in areas adequately shielded from any substantial wave action or upland run-off. These conditions translate into restrictions not simply on the geographic location of a potential replenishment project, but also on the relative size and range of any replanting. Many areas that would be desirable for mangrove planting present formidable factors that prohibit the successful introduction of the tree.
The necessity of implementing mangrove replenishment projects is supported by the documented reduction in mangroves throughout Florida's estuary systems. Increases in population, water-front development, agriculture, boating and related activities have resulted in significant increases in the types and quantities of pollutants reaching intracoastal and coastal waters. Additionally these factors have contributed to a significant decline in mangrove habitat necessary to maintain commercial and recreational fisheries. Therefore, the importance of mangroves to a healthy marine ecology has dramatically increased. As natural members of estuary systems, mangroves mitigate the environmentally adverse and destructive effects of development and consequential pollution. In an effort to promote mangrove replenishment on a wide geographic basis an alternative planting methodology, called "Riley Encased Methodology", has been developed. This new planting method is not subject to the limitations of conventional techniques.
Riley Encased Methodology applies a new paradigm to mangrove restoration. With strict employment of the methodology, mangroves can be successfully established in areas with significant tidal action, wrack, wave activity, and upland run-off. Mangroves offer a logical contribution to coast line protection, estuary restoration and a healthy marine environment. The Methodology effectively enables the replenishment of mangroves where conventional techniques can not succeed.