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Mangrove Ecosystem Recovery Following Plastic Removal: Evidence From Crab Burrow Dynamics in Southeastern Mauritius
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Researchers cleaning up plastic trash from a mangrove forest in Mauritius saw crab populations explode—burrow counts jumped from about 43 to over 1,750 per sampling area over four years—showing that removing plastic pollution helps coastal ecosystems bounce back. Since mangroves act as natural buffers that filter water and support fish nurseries, protecting them from plastic waste isn't just good for crabs—it helps keep coastal food and water supplies cleaner for the people who depend on them.
ABSTRACT Plastic accumulation in mangrove ecosystems can severely impair sediment structure, faunal activity and ecological function. Field surveys were conducted annually between 2020 and 2024 within the Ferney mangrove forest located on the southeastern coast of Mauritius. Plastic debris was quantified through systematic coastal cleanup surveys, while crab populations were assessed using 50 quadrat sampling units (1 m 2 each) distributed across the study site. Crab burrows were counted as an indicator of habitat utilisation and population recovery. The total mass of litter removed significantly decreased from 3759 kg in 2020 to 438 kg in 2024, while crab burrow counts significantly increased from a mean of 42.7 to 1751.3 burrows per 50 quadrats, indicating enhanced habitat use and re‐establishment of crab populations. Dominant species included Cardisoma carnifex , Paraleptuca chlorophthalmus , Austruca spp. and Scylla serrata , all key contributors to sediment turnover and mangrove ecosystem function. Pearson's correlation indicated a strong negative correlation between the two variables ( ρ = −0.93, p < 0.01). Sediment clearing and improved oxygenation likely facilitated recruitment and reoccupation. Photographic records confirmed the reappearance of burrows and herbaceous regrowth in previously obstructed areas. However, the spread of invasive species such as Pongamia pinnata coincided with canopy gaps and altered substrate conditions. While natural mangrove seedling recruitment remained absent, the significant increase in crab activity confirms that plastic removal efforts led to measurable ecological recovery. These findings demonstrate the ecological benefits of sustained plastic removal initiatives and highlight the importance of community‐based conservation efforts for restoring mangrove ecosystem functionality. Long‐term monitoring, regulation of invasive species and policy‐driven cleanup protocols are recommended to sustain ecosystem function and guide future restoration efforts.
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