Friends or Foes? The Problem of South Florida’s Invasive Mangroves

I the 1940s, renowned American botanist David Fairchild planted two specimens of the common Asian mangrove Bruguiera gymnorrhyza at his home in Miami (today a botanical garden known as The Kampong). Approximately 30 years later, at Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden, horticulturists planted a second exotic species of mangrove from Asia, Lumnitzera racemosa. F decades both species remained contained to their respective locations. However, both species “escaped” and have since naturalized and spread. T aquarium trade, a popular activity in Florida, is also a cause for concern. Many species of mangroves can be procured online to decorate tanks to look like natural shorelines. The Problem Our Proposal U remains as to the complete success of the eradication efforts. An essential part of an effective precautionary approach to management of invasive mangrove species requires integration of such an approach into the legal framework. L racemosa and Bruguiera gymnorrhiza should be listed on the Florida Noxious Weed List. The Mangrove Trimming and Preservation Act should be referenced as the authority by which state and local agencies can engage in eradication and management strategies for these species. Finally, a Florida Invasive Species Council should be established in order to promote horizontal and vertical integration between different levels and areas of government. This council should facilitate invasive species policy in the state by commissioning scientific studies, adopting risk assessment techniques to prioritize eradication, overseeing thoughtful and impactful use of funding, and assisting with planning strategies and management techniques.