 Mangroves are an important source of ecosystem services, providing food, shelter and protection from storm surges and flooding. They also store large amounts of carbon, making them an important part of the global carbon cycle. However, their success depends on the health of their sediments, which are often anoxic and nutrient poor. Bioturbation, or the burrowing activity of animals and plants, plays a major role in shaping the structure and function of these sediments. It provides access to oxygen and nutrients, promotes the decomposition of organic matter, and helps to maintain the physical structure of the sediment. In turn, these processes affect the microbial communities living in the sediment, which play a critical role in nutrient cycling and the overall health of the mangrove ecosystem. This article was authored by Jenny M. Boode, Marco Fusi, Ramona Morasco, and others.