In this two-minute radio program, a marine biology professor points out a number of the ecological functions that coastal mangrove forests perform. For example, he explains that mangrove forests serve as filters and nursery areas for fish. He contends that there are ecological and economic reasons to conserve mangroves. The archived program, part of the Pulse of the Planet radio show, is available here in text and audio formats. Copyright 2005 Eisenhower National Clearinghouse