Application of multi-spatial resolution satellite imageries for long term seagrass mapping in Korean coastal waters

Abstract

Seagrass beds perform a variety of functions as nursery habitats for juvenile fishes, nutrientcycling and sediment stabilization in coastal ecosystems. Despite the ecological importance,distributional information of seagass beds in Korean coastal water is insufficient due to limitation of research methodology. In this study, we used hydroacoustic system for collecting accurate ground truth data, and multi-spatial resolution satellite imageries for detection of seagrass beds. In reflectance spectra, reflectance shape of seagrass was distinct from unvegetated seawater, where seagrass show a peak reflectance at 550 and 700-800 nm, and peak reflectance of unvegetaed seawaters at 500-600 nm. The overall accuracy of satellite image classification showing 90% (kappa=0.85) based on hydroacoustic data. Our results indicate that the high spatial resolutionsatellite imagery is produced seagrass distribution maps with reasonable accuracy. These seagrassmapping results will allow understand past changes and provide crucial information for managementof their resources.an coastal water is insufficient due to limitation of research methodology. In this study, we used hydroacoustic system for collecting accurate ground truth data, and multi-spatial resolution satellite imageries for detection of seagrass beds. In reflectance spectra, reflectance shape of seagrass was distinct from unvegetated seawater, where seagrass show a peak reflectance at 550 and 700-800 nm, and peak reflectance of unvegetaed seawaters at 500-600 nm. The overall accuracy of satellite image classification showing 90% (kappa=0.85) based on hydroacoustic data. Our results indicate that the high spatial resolutionsatellite imagery is produced seagrass distribution maps with reasonable accuracy. These seagrassmapping results will allow understand past changes and provide crucial information for managementof their resources.