Seagrass and coral reefs are important coastal biomass. Because of their high biological productivity and spatial extent, they play an important role in both local and global carbon and nutrient cycles. These communities process, trap, and bury river-borne nutrients and sediments. They also protect shorelines from erosion and tropical cyclones, and serve as reservoirs of biodiversity [Orth et al 2006].

In spite of their importance, the survival of many seagrass and coral reef ecosystems are threatened [Kleypas and Yates, 2009]. These ecosystems are especially vulnerable and an accelerating global pattern of loss has been identified [Waycott et al. 2009]. Based on an assessment of 215 studies from around the world, it is estimated that seagrass and coral reef ecosystems have been lost at a rate of 110 sq.km/yr since 1980 and that the known areal extent has decreased by 29% since 1879. Human factors that cause the loss are direct (e.g., dredging; filling; propeller scarring) and indirect (e.g., eutrophication and processes that reduce water clarity and add organic matter to sediments). Natural stresses include disease, tropical cyclones, sea temperature increase and sea level rise.

In assessing spatial variability, health, and productivity in coastal ecosystem habitats, the Instrument will provide a reliable means for rapid and repeated field measurements over large areas. Traditional techniques using field measurements are labor-intensive and very expensive, thus often restricted to small regions. Traditional airborne surveys are also expensive and usually lacking synchronization, only yielding information on areal distribution. Recently, proof-of-concept studies have shown the value of low altitude multispectral remote sensing in quantitative measurement of coastal ecosystems [Belluco, E.; Klemas, V. (2011); Klemas, V. (2009)].

The Instrument would enable inexpensive high-resolution airborne remote sensing through an innovative approach for the characterization, extension, and observation of the synoptic patterns that influence coral reef and seagrass ecosystems in coastal regions.

Faculty of the Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science at the University of Miami [http://www.rsmas.miami.edu/], as stated in their commitment letter, will utilize the Instrument for research and education efforts in Marine Life.

Coastal research by the team of Nelson Melo [http://cake.fiu.edu/Melo/] at FIU and their extramural colleagues will utilize the instrument research in the fields of oceanography and marine remote sensing.

References Cited

[O+06] R.J. Orth, et al. 2006. A global crisis for seagrass ecosystems, BioScience 56(12): 987-996.

[KY09] J.A. Kleypas and K. K. Yates. "Coral reefs and ocean acidification." Oceanography 22 (2009).

[MMB+09] M. Waycott, C. Duarte, T. Carruthers, R. Orth, W. Dennison, S. Olyarnik, A. Calladine, et al. "Accelerating loss of seagrasses across the globe threatens coastal ecosystems." Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 106, no. 30 (2009): 12377-12381.

[BE+06] E. Belluco et al. "Mapping salt-marsh vegetation by multispectral and hyperspectral remote sensing." Remote sensing of environment 105.1 (2006): 54-67.

[Kle11] V. Klemas. "Remote sensing of coastal plumes and ocean fronts: overview and case study." Journal of Coastal Research 28.1A (2011): 1-7.

[KV09] V.V. Klemas. "Sensors and techniques for observing coastal ecosystems." Remote Sensing and Geospatial Technologies for Coastal Ecosystem Assessment and Management. Springer Berlin Heidelberg, 2009. 17-44.