Time-series Seagrass Percent Cover Mapping in Gili Lawang Island using PlanetScope Imagery

Seagrass, a marine angiosperm, plays a crucial role in providing significant ecosystem services. Due to its highly dynamic nature, seagrass cover can exhibit monthly or seasonal fluctuations. This research aims to investigate the dynamics of seagrass cover changes on Gili Lawang Island, East Lombok Regency throughout the period of 2022-2023, utilizing time-series PlanetScope images. To develop a model for estimating seagrass cover percentage, we employed a stepwise regression approach that integrated sunglint-corrected Planetscope level 3B bands with field seagrass data. Training and accuracy assessment samples were collected using the photo-quadrate method, spatially distributed across various coastal characteristics of Gili Lawang Island. The obtained time-series seagrass percent cover maps were further analyzed in conjunction with climatic data to discern the underlying patterns governing seagrass cover dynamics. The novelty of this study lies in its potential to serve as a foundation for future research endeavors, such as the analysis of carbon stock dynamics in seagrass fields, and as a basis for establishing seagrass conservation zones in Gili Lawang. © 2024 SPIE.