MANGROVE RESTORATION & HABITAT ENHANCEME

The Sabancuy estuary is part of a regional swamp and marsh system within the Federal Flora and Fauna Protected Area Laguna de Terminos.

Together with Pantanos de Centla Biosphere Reserve, this protected area encompasses the ecologically most important coastal wetlands in Mesoamerica.

The USFWS mid-winter survey of 2006 estimated more than 200,000 waterfowl using this area, confirming that it is the most important site for wintering Blue-winged Teal along the coast of the Gulf of Mexico and an important site for breeding and migratory shorebirds.

The estuary offers coastal and freshwater wetlands that provide resting and foraging habitat for waterfowl and shorebird species.

This project will contribute to improved food resources and higher quality habitat for migratory birds, as well as nursery areas for fish, crabs and shrimp.

It will restore the hydrology and support the regeneration of mangroves in 966 acres of coastal wetlands in the estuary.