Aquaponic systems integrate the production of aquatic animals and plants, which receive most of the necessary nutrients for their growth directly from the wastewater of animal farming. This technique is part of the blue economy by harnessing resources as an economic source and restoring ecosystems for sustainable production. Marine aquaponics uses halophytic plants such as mangroves, which are highly productive and ecologically important as providers of shelter and protection for numerous species, as well as a source of firewood and charcoal. However, deforestation and pollution, among others, have contributed significantly to their disappearance from coastal areas such as the Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta, which is very productive for Colombian fisheries. The current study implemented a marine aquaponic recirculation system (RAS) (15ppm), cultivating fish (Oreochromis sp.) and mangroves (Rhizophora mangle). Our aim was to compare the growth of mangroves in the RAS vs. mangroves traditionally cultivated on land. Thirty-two red tilapias (Oreochromis sp.) (2,05 ± 0,13g; 3,64 ± 0,16 cm; initial biomass 61,5 ± 0,13 g), were cultivated and 64 seeds (14.9 ± 0.16 cm) (1 fish: 2 plants) were selected in the best condition of red mangrove. The same quantity of mangroves was employed for cultivation in soil. Weekly data on nitrogen cycle (mg/l) in plant beds were recorded (NH+4 0,14 ± 0,07; NO-2 0,09 ± 0,01; NO-3 2,84 ± 0,34) and in the fish water (NH+4 0,2 ± 0,1; NO-2 0,08 ± 0,01; NO-3 2,6 ± 0,5); pH:7,6 ± 0,05; 26,8 ± 2,31°C; 14,6 ± 0,3 ppm of salinity and the microbiological load (27,000 CFU) helps maintain the balance of the culture. The performance indices of plant cultivation were also evaluated (Table 1). The RAS technique showed that the use of nutrient-rich water and the contribution to the aquaponic ecosystem helped improve the production indicators of mangroves, as the growth response compared to those on land was evident. The proposal is presented as an option for the sustainable reforestation of mangroves, through an innovative aquaponic prototype, contributing to the implementation of good management practices and blue economy techniques, leading to the protection of wild mangroves and the production of fish for food security.