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Published (Version of Record)CC BY V4.0, Open Access
Journal article
Bathymetry derivatives and habitat data from hyperspectral imagery establish a high-resolution baseline for managing the Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia
Remote Sensing, Vol.14(8), Article 1827
2022
Abstract
The Ningaloo Reef, Australia’s longest fringing reef, is uniquely positioned in the NW region of the continent, with clear, oligotrophic waters, relatively low human impacts, and a high level of protection through the World Heritage Site and its marine park status. Non-invasive optical sensors, which seamlessly derive bathymetry and bottom reflectance, are ideally suited for mapping and monitoring shallow reefs such as Ningaloo. Using an existing airborne hyperspectral survey, we developed a new, geomorphic layer for the reef for depths down to 20 m, through an object-oriented classification that combines topography and benthic cover. We demonstrate the classification approach using three focus areas in the northern region of the Muiron Islands, the central part around Point Maud, and Gnaraloo Bay in the south. Topographic mapping combined aspect, slope, and depth into 18 classes and, unsurprisingly, allocated much of the area into shallow, flat lagoons, and highlighted narrow, deeper channels that facilitate water circulation. There were five distinct geomorphic classes of coral-algal mosaics in different topographic settings. Our classifications provide a useful baseline for stratifying ecological field surveys, designing monitoring programmes, and assessing reef resilience from current and future threats.
Details
- Title
- Bathymetry derivatives and habitat data from hyperspectral imagery establish a high-resolution baseline for managing the Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia
- Authors/Creators
- H.T. Kobryn (Author/Creator)L.E. Beckley (Author/Creator)K. Wouters (Author/Creator)
- Publication Details
- Remote Sensing, Vol.14(8), Article 1827
- Publisher
- MDPI
- Identifiers
- 991005544968807891
- Copyright
- © 2022 by the authors
- Murdoch Affiliation
- School of Environmental and Conservation Sciences
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article
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- Citation topics
- 3 Agriculture, Environment & Ecology
- 3.2 Marine Biology
- 3.2.570 Coral Reef Ecology
- Web Of Science research areas
- Environmental Sciences
- Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
- Imaging Science & Photographic Technology
- Remote Sensing
- ESI research areas
- Geosciences