Identification of Changes in Extent and Density of Mangrove Vegetation Cover in Ambon Bay Using PlanetScope Satellite Imagery
Abstract
Mangrove forests represent a coastal ecosystem located in the transitional zone between land and sea. This ecosystem thrives in the intertidal zone, where seawater naturally rises and falls daily. Mangrove forests face serious degradation threats due to development activities and land conversion, including in Ambon Bay. This study utilized high-resolution PlanetScope imagery at 3 m resolution and the NDVI algorithm to analyze mangrove vegetation extent and density. The results indicate a consistent decline in mangrove vegetation area in Ambon Bay, from 55.79 ha in 2016 to 53.75 ha in 2020 and further to 49.87 ha in 2026, representing a total loss of 5.92 ha (10.6%) over the decade. NDVI analysis from 3 m PlanetScope imagery reveals the complex dynamics of mangrove density in Ambon Bay, with low-density area increasing from 3.05 ha (2016) to 4.23 ha (2020) and 5.51 ha (2026), medium-density area fluctuating from 11.15 ha (2016) to 10.38 ha (2020) and then 12.81 ha (2026), while high-density area experienced progressive degradation from 39.00 ha in 2016 to 37.16 ha (2020) and 29.87 ha in 2026. The Ambon City regional government must establish strict mangrove conservation zones in Ambon Bay through comprehensive revisions to the Regional Spatial Plan, prohibiting mangrove land conversion for unsustainable industrial or residential development, and promoting community participation through economic incentives such as mangrove ecotourism and sustainable fisheries, which will strengthen socio-ecological resilience, where local residents are trained as area managers to periodically monitor vegetation density.
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