Problem of Barnacle Fouling on Mangrove Plants in Subtropical Region

Description

Mangroves are unique inter-tidal wetlands in tropical and subtropical regions, but they have been seriously damaged in the past decades due to urbanization and industrialization. There is now a growing awareness that mangrove wetlands are of great importance and must be conserved. In addition to better protection of existing mangroves, artificial planting has been used as a mitigation measure to compensate for any significant ecological loss of mangroves due to designated projects. However, most of the mangrove planting work in Hong Kong and in other countries has not been wholly successful, and is characterized by low survival and poor growth. Similarly, naturally recruited seedlings are also faced with high mortality. One of the critical problems is barnacle fouling, which causes poor growth and even the death of young seedlings. The present study therefore attempts to investigate the distribution patterns of barnacles on mangrove plants, evaluate the seriousness of barnacle fouling in different mangrove swamps in Hong Kong, and understand the effects of barnacle fouling on the physiology, growth, and survival of mangrove plants through field studies and greenhouse experiments. The study will provide solutions on how to control barnacle fouling and enhance the success of mangrove planting and establishment in Hong Kong.