The mangrove forests at this location also serve to preserve and protect one of Jamaica's most beautiful and unique landmarks —the bioluminescence within Oyster Bay. Microscopic dinoflagellates, Pyrodinium bahamense var. bahamense, provide the bioluminescent feature —there being only one other in the Caribbean with a total of four globally. Figure 6 depicts the major areas being proposed for protection. In general, mangrove wetlands provide coastline protection and flood control, sediment collection, land accretion and coastline stabilisation, filtering of nutrients, breeding/nursery ground and habitat; and carbon sequestration.

At the east end of the Falmouth Harbour is a shallow estuary receiving the waters from the Martha Brae River. Oyster Bay borders the northern coastline of the Winns Morass area. Essential nutrients are supplied to the dinoflagellates by these mangroves and salt flats. The floodplains of the Martha Brae have high flooding vulnerability, while the lands are susceptible to extreme storm surges. It is therefore important that the mangroves and the hydrological features they afford, be preserved to act as flood control in the event of inland or coastal flooding.

The mangrove forests located south of Falmouth has been significantly impacted by human activities, particularly informal settlements (squatting). Drone images from assessments done by the NEPA in 2020 showed illegal dumping and squatting occurring along the northern fringes of the floodplain. A conclusion arising from the report on these studies indicate that if not dealt with immediately, the forest will deteriorate over time through the action of these informal settlements.