Remote sensing applications for marine habitat mapping and coastal management in a changing climate

Abstract

Remote sensing, combining a series of platforms and sensors, including satellite imagery, aerial drone surveys, multi-beam swath mapping, side-scan sonar and drop and towed video, (including from remotely operated underwater vehicle [ROV]), provides sophisticated new capacity for the characterization of coastal and nearshore habitats. This proposal builds on the recent complementary developments in these fields of Conti at USP and Woodroffe at UOW, incorporating the expertise and field programs, and students, of Turra and Hamylton. Initial exchange visits in year will consolidate the ongoing field and analysis programs at USP and UOW focusing on local sites (IIIawarra and Araçá Bay). In year two, following clearer definition of the aims of the joint programs, the field focus will be extended to matching tropical locations (Suape Estuarine Complex and Reefs in northeastern Australia). Funded research is underway in each of these locations (2 FAPESP projects and UOW grants, SMAH RPG, GeoQuest, Global Challenges, GBR Foundation). Further applications for longer-term funding is being, or will be, sought (eg. ARC Linkage project to examine IIIawarra nearshore sedimentary environments and habitats). Both research groups have an established focus on sustaining coastal and marine zones; they have ongoing programs involving postgraduate students, including international exchange. (AU)