Studies of mangrove communities involve mapping the extent of mangrove swamps and the major community types within it, through a combination of field work and the interpretation of satellite and/or aerial photographs.

Mangrove communities are quantitatively assessed for their species composition, diversity and structure. Monitoring the health of mangrove communities during coastal developments such as reclamation projects include monitoring of sediment levels, seedling growth rates, seedling and mature tree mortalities, and root densities.