Baseline Ecological Assessment of Mangrove (Avicennia marina) in Al Bidyah, Fujairah, United Arab Emirates

This study provides a baseline ecological assessment of a planted mangrove (Avicennia marina) stand established in Al Bidyah, Fujairah, United Arab Emirates (UAE).The site, planted in 2018 with approximately 2,500 seedlings, represents the first documented mangrove restoration effort in the Emirate.Field surveys conducted from 2018 to 2024 evaluated seedling survival, growth performance, soil properties, reproductive phenology, and associated faunal communities.Findings indicate that Avicennia marina can successfully establish and reproduce on Fujairah's shallow, sandy, and rocky coastal substrates; however, growth was constrained by limited soil depth and tidal inundation.Seedling survival declined sharply from 98% in 2018 to 28% by 2020, after which it stabilized through 2024, while seedlings rooted in soils less than 6 cm deep exhibited reduced height, poor vigor, or complete mortality.Despite these constraints, reproductive activity-including flowering and propagule production-confirmed the stand's capacity for natural regeneration.Pre-existing faunal groups, particularly crabs, mollusks, and gastropods, contributed to nutrient cycling and early habitat development.This assessment provides essential baseline data for future monitoring, restoration planning, and blue carbon initiatives in the UAE.The results highlight the potential of mangrove restoration to enhance coastal resilience, support biodiversity, and contribute to long-term ecological sustainability in arid coastal environments.