Work

Spatial Analysis of Benthic and Geomorphic Habitat Distribution in the Shallow Waters of Pombo Island, Indonesia, using High Resolution PlanetScope Satellite Imagery

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The benthic biodiversity-rich but degradation-prone coastal waters of Pombo Island, Maluku, were mapped using high-resolution PlanetScope (3m) satellite imagery and field data through a random forest approach. The results showed the dominance of inner reef flat (54%) and sand substrate (39.62%), with 22.31% coral cover, while geomorphological analysis revealed a strong correlation between sheltered reef slope (18.78%) and benthic habitat distribution (85% classification accuracy). These findings not only prove the effectiveness of remote sensing technology for tropical ecosystem monitoring but also recommend zoning-based conservation strategies, particularly reef crest protection and seagrass rehabilitation, as a contribution to sustainable environmental management in line with SDG targets.

Source: Asian Journal of Environmental Research.

DOI: 10.69930/ajer.v2i2.392

Authors: Ahmat Rifai, Halim, Muhamad F. M. Rahayaan, Heinrich Rakuasa, Rizky A Laitupa, La Mbeli Rajani, Jossh Christheyn Etalakua

Institutions: University of Indonesia, Universitas Pattimura, National Research Tomsk State University, Udayana University

Language: English

Topic: Coral and Marine Ecosystems Studies

Subfield: Ecology

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Life below water, Life on land

Open Access status: hybrid

OpenAlex ID: W4410879469

FWCI: 0.523

Cites:

Cited by: 1

Related to: 10