Assessing mangrove use at the local scale

To evaluate the local use of mangrove forests, forty interviews were conducted with elderly fishermen from six villages in the Teacapan-Agua Brava lagoon–estuarine system of the State of Nayarit. Results indicate that the type of species is important to both the identification and local use of the mangrove forest. Overall, Laguncularia racemosa was identified as the species most frequently used in this region of Mexico, being employed quite regularly in the construction of tobacco galleries, stakes, poles, tapos (fish traps), fences and walls. By comparing the fishermenʹs perceived potential use of Rhizophora mangle to its perceived actual use, it was found that this species had been employed as an important source for medicine and tannins. However, Rhizophora mangle is presently employed, and only periodically, for ceiling support in rural homes. Several key problems encountered in the evaluation of mangrove use at the local level are discussed.