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Recent satellite imagery has highlighted the threat posed by an oil spill off the southern coast of Qeshm Island, Iran, to the Hara mangrove forests, an ecologically important mangrove ecosystem of the Persian Gulf.

About Hara Mangrove Forest

• The Hara mangrove forests are located around Qeshm Island and the Strait of Hormuz in southern Iran.
• They consist mainly of the grey mangrove (Avicennia marina) and form an important coastal ecosystem. The area is recognised as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
• The forests are specially adapted to the saline marine environment. Their roots possess mechanisms that help them cope with salt, allowing the trees to survive in seawater-influenced conditions. Their extensive root systems also stabilise coastlines, reduce coastal erosion and trap sediments.

Ecological Significance

Hara mangroves perform several important ecosystem functions:

• Blue-carbon ecosystem: Mangroves are highly efficient carbon sinks because they store substantial amounts of carbon in their biomass and, particularly, in waterlogged sediments.
• Marine nursery: The dense root network provides shelter and breeding/nursery grounds for shrimp, crabs and several fish species, supporting local fisheries.
• Coastal protection: Mangroves reduce the impact of waves and currents and help protect vulnerable shorelines from erosion.
• Bird habitat: The mangrove canopy and associated wetlands support migratory and resident birds, including the great stone-curlew and various heron species.
• Livelihoods and tourism: The mangrove waterways are a major attraction for eco-tourism around Qeshm Island, while fisheries provide an important livelihood base for local communities.

Why the Oil Spill is a Concern

Oil contamination can coat mangrove roots and sediments, interfere with gas exchange and nutrient processes, and damage mangrove vegetation. It can also contaminate the breeding and feeding grounds of fish, crustaceans and birds. Since mangrove ecosystems are interconnected with coastal fisheries, an oil spill can therefore create ecological as well as economic impacts.