Spatial and temporal variability of mangrove ecosystems in the Cu Lao Cham-Hoi An Biosphere Reserve, Vietnam

• Published in: Regional studies in marine science 2019-03, Vol.27, p.100550, Article 100550
• Main Authors: Tin, Hoang C., Ni, Tran N.K., Tuan, Le V., Saizen, Isuzu, Catherman, Robert
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Landsat; Mangrove ecosystem degradation; Satellite remote sensing; Temporal and spatial variability
• ISSN: 2352-4855; 2352-4855
• DOI: 10.1016/j.rsma.2019.100550

Mangrove ecosystems in central Vietnam play an important role in protecting the coast line; reducing erosion and salinization; as well as regulating climate. Mangrove ecosystems in Cu Lao Cham-Hoi An Biosphere Reserve contribute significantly to the role of coastal protection, climate change resilience, and local economic development. Historical satellite remote sensing data, intensive field surveys and GIS techniques have been employed in many tropical areas worldwide to detect mangrove changes. The objective of this study is to use Landsat imagery covering the past 44 years (1973–2016) to study historical changes of the mangrove ecosystems in the Cu Lao Cham-Hoi An Biosphere Reserve and to document the current distribution of species diversity in the Reserve’s mangrove ecosystems. The field surveys and analysis of satellite remote sensing data revealed that the mangrove ecosystem in Cu Lao Cham-Hoi An Biosphere Reserve has fluctuated significantly in both temporal and spatial distribution. This study has newly documented eight mangrove species to the inventory of the Cu Lao Cham-Hoi An Biosphere Reserve mangroves species composition. This study is regarded as the first study using multi-spectral satellite remote sensing image to assess the distribution status and historical changes of mangrove ecosystems in central Vietnam. The outcomes can contribute to assessing the dynamic trends of coastal ecosystem changes during the past 44 years to provide sustainable development strategies for the area. [Display omitted]