Today is the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem! Mangrove ecosystems are some of our planet's most critical and threatened ecosystems. Mangrove forests act as a physical barrier, protecting coastal habitats and communities from crashing waves and rolling tides. Mangroves also act as nurseries for a number of marine species who instinctually know to have their young in the protected structure of the mangrove roots. On Santa Cruz Island, visitors to Tortuga Bay can of