Use of SPOT images as a tool for coastal zone management and monitoring of environmental impacts in the coastal zone

Abstract

Use of modern techniques like remote sensing has been without doubts one of the main factors to take a forward step towards the achievement of serious plans regarding Coastal Management. A multi-temporal analysis of the land- use, in some areas of the Colombian Caribbean Coast, was done mainly focused in environmental impacts caused by anthropogenic activities like deforestation of mangroves due to shrimp farming. Selection of sensitive areas, percentage of destroyed mangroves, possible endangered areas, etc. have been some of the results of this analysis as well as some advises for a coastal management plan in the area. Some other consequences of the deforestation of mangroves in the coastal zone and the construction of shrimp ponds were also analyzed like increase of erosion problems in these areas and water pollution among others. The increase of erosion in these areas has also changed part of their morphology, which has also been studied by the analysis of SPOT images in different years. A serious concern exists about the future of these areas, for this reason new techniques like satellite images (SPOT) have been applied with good results and in this way a more effective control and coastal management in the area is taking place. The use of SPOT images to study changes in the land-use of the area was a useful technique in order to determine patterns of human activities and suggest solutions for severe problems in these areas.