Open Issue V4I1 - Ramsewak | Journal of CESaRE

The Journal of Caribbean Environmental Sciences and Renewable Energy (CESaRE) was developed in 2016 out of a recognized need to modernize and revolutionize the Caribbean's scientific research publishing. There are over 170 Caribbean research publications in the past 5 years falling under the broad field of environmental sciences, found scattered over a large variety of International journals, without a central (Caribbean) location to collate this knowledge. With the global shift towards renewable over traditional energy sources, together with a rise in environmental consciousness, this a perfect opportunity for highlighting such research conducted in the Caribbean. CESaRE will provide a suitable forum to encourage research into renewable energy, as well as the environmental sciences. CESaRE promises to be more than just a collection of articles, but also a forum to disseminate information and bridge the gap between research and implementation, from which Caribbean leaders, relevant industry partners, and authorities can use our Journal for more effective decision making and environmental management.

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Open Issue 2022

Volume 4, Issue 1

An Integrated Geospatial Approach to Mangrove Forest Mapping in Trinidad and Tobago Using High-Resolution Aerial Photography and Sentinel-2 Satellite Imagery

Deanesh Ramsewak ¹; Naimah S. Mohammed²; Kelshau Mills ³
^{1, 2, 3} Centre for Maritime and Ocean Studies, The University of Trinidad and Tobago, Chaguaramas Campus, 2nd
Avenue North, Western Main Road, Chaguaramas, Trinidad and Tobago.

Vol. 4, Issue 1, 2022 DOI: 10.33277/cesare/004.001/01

ABSTRACT

Mangrove forests provide a wide range of ecosystem services and socio-economic benefits globally; however, climatic and anthropogenic forces have negatively affected this unique vegetation type. Information on observed changes is useful in the development of mangrove conservation strategies. Geospatial mapping techniques can provide such information, which is key for the sustainable management of this critical resource. In Trinidad and Tobago, mangrove forests have suffered losses within recent years. This study utilised remote sensing and geographic information systems (GIS) techniques to update an existing 2007 mangrove baseline map of Trinidad and Tobago to 2014 and identify significant changes in mangrove coverage for the 7-year period. Mangrove forest boundaries were delineated using ArcGIS 10.4.1 software through an integrated approach involving visual interpretation of 2014 high-resolution, coloured aerial photography and classification of Sentinel-2 Multi-Spectral Instrument (MSI) satellite imagery. Resultant maps were verified using ground data collected between 2017 and 2019. Spatial analysis techniques were used to isolate and quantify areas of mangrove change. Results revealed that total mangrove coverage for both islands decreased from 9369.3 ha in 2007 to 9077.2 ha in 2014, a loss of 292.1 ha for the 7-year period. Solid waste pollution and land cleared for development were both observed within mangrove areas. A mangrove species map generated for the Buccoo-Bon Accord region of southwest Tobago showed that the area is dominated by red mangroves. The outputs of this study can be used in mangrove forest conservation and management strategies to promote more sustainable development practices in Trinidad and Tobago and the wider Caribbean. The geospatial approach can be implemented when developing monitoring plans.

KEYWORDS

Mangrove mapping; Remote Sensing;
Sentinel-2; Aerial photography; Trinidad and Tobago.

Mangrove forests are critical natural ecosystems that provide a wealth of services and benefits. These forests are under threat due to climate change, land reclamation, pollution and a host of other anthropogenic activities. Ramsewak et al. provides an updated visual of mangrove distribution and extent in Trinidad and Tobago using geospatial mapping and shows the changes that can occur over a 7 year period in these habitats.

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