Hyperspectral Remote Sensing and Radiative Transfer Simulation as a Tool for Monitoring Coral Reef Health

Abstract

Recent advances in the remote sensing of coral reefs include hyperspectral remote sensing and radiative transfer modeling. Hyperspectral data can be regarded as continuous and the derivative spectroscopy is effective for extracting coral reef components, including sand, macroalgae, and healthy, bleached, recently dead, and old dead coral. Radiative transfer models are effective for feasibility studies of satellite or airborne remote sensing. Using these techniques, we simulate and analyze the apparent reflectance of coral reef benthic features associated with bleaching events, obtained by hyperspectral sensors on various platforms (ROV, boat, airplane, and satellite), and suggest that the coral reef health on reef flats can be discriminated precisely. Remote sensing using hyperspectral sensors should significantly contribute to mapping and monitoring coral reef health.