Novel remote sensing method improves mapping and assessment of Hawaiʻi’s coral reefs
As climate change, pollution, and overfishing affect Hawaiʻi’s vibrant coral reefs, managers must understand the extent and condition of these valuable ecosystems to identify priority areas for protection. In this study, Dr. Greg Asner and his colleagues at Arizona State University tested a new reef monitoring technique that combines broad spatial coverage with detailed, three-dimensional assessments of reef complexity—a proxy for health—at depths up to 25 meters. Using their airplane-based remote-sensing laboratory, called the Global Airborne Observatory, the team conducted flight surveys at an altitude of about 500 meters over two representative bays. They found that their new approach holds great promise for improving the ability to monitor the health of Hawaiʻi’s coral reefs.
Citation
- Asner, G.P., Vaughn, N.R., Balzotti, C., Broderick, P.G., and Joseph Heckler (2020). High-resolution reef bathymetry and coral habitat complexity from airborne imaging spectroscopy. Remote Sensing. https://doi.org/10.3390/rs12020310
