Research agenda for the sustainable management of mangroves in Tamaulipas, Mexico

Abstract

An analysis of the existing ecological information on the mangroves of Tamaulipas, Mexico is presented. The objective was establishing a baseline of knowledge that defines the state of the art based on published information; update the forest structure with own data observed in 2018; and determine a priority research agenda for the sustainable management of the mangrove ecosystem. Ecosystem of capital relevance due to the wide variety of resources and environmental services it provides to society. Bibliographic research that compiled 32 relevant works: 16 formal publications, seven institutional editions and nine considered gray literature; compilation that reveals few studies for this ecosystem. The analyzed information was ordered into thematic study reviews: geographic distribution of species, current and historical extension, forest structure of the community, conservation, disturbances and threats, and restoration. This analysis suggests establishing a state research program with plural and transversal study approaches to investigate comprehensive ecological diagnoses, both basic and applied and prospective for the knowledge and sustainable management of mangrove ecosystems, which support administrative operation. A guide of priority studies was defined through a research agenda for the sustainability and conservation of the mangrove ecosystem in Tamaulipas, which guarantees the benefits and ecosystem services, and the protection of the coastal zone from both anthropogenic and natural disturbances.