High-Resolution Satellite Monitoring of Vulnerable Coastal Ecosystems Using Advanced Artificial Intelligence Techniques

Abstract

Coastal island ecosystems are unique and fragile environments and very sensitive to climate change and direct anthropogenic impact. The use of remote sensing offers the advantage of monitoring these valuable areas in an accessible and cost-effective manner. The main objective of this research, linked to the sustainable management of littoral areas, is the generation of knowledge that is materialized in the implementation of a robust image processing methodology to generate accurate bathymetry and benthic high-resolution maps in coastal shallow waters using remote sensing satellite multispectral sensors (WorldView-2/3). So, this paper presents a methodology for the monitoring of two protected ecosystems in Canary Islands (Spain): Las Canteras beach (Gran Canaria Island) and the channel of La Graciosa-Lanzarote Island. In addition, a multitemporal study is presented where the usefulness of the technology in the monitoring of marine ecosystems is presented.