Effects of epiphytes and depth on seagrass spectral profiles: Case study of gulf st. vincent, south Australia

Charnsmorn Hwang, Chih Hua Chang, Tim Kildea, Michael Burch, Milena Fernandes

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

4 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Seagrasses are a crucial indicator species of coastal marine ecosystems that provide substratum, shelter, and food for epiphytic algae, invertebrates, and fishes. More accurate mapping of seagrasses is essential for their survival as a long-lasting natural resource. Before reflectance spectra could properly be used as remote sensing endmembers, factors that may obscure the detection of reflectance signals must be assessed. The objectives in this study are to determine the influence of (1) epiphytes, (2) water depth, and (3) seagrass genus on the detection of reflectance spectral signals. The results show that epiphytes significantly dampen bottom-type reflectance throughout most of the visible light spectrum, excluding 670–679 nm; the depth does influence reflectance, with the detection of deeper seagrasses being easier, and as the depth increases, only Heterozostera increase in the exact “red edge” wavelength at which there is a rapid change in the near-infrared (NIR) spectrum. These findings helped improve the detection of seagrass endmembers during remote sensing, thereby helping protect the natural resource of seagrasses.

Original languageEnglish
Article number2701
JournalInternational journal of environmental research and public health
Volume16
Issue number15
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2019 Aug 1

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Pollution
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
  • Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis

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