Gulf Coast Research Articles

Asian swamp eels (Synbranchidae, Monopterus) in Florida: distribution, spread, and range of hydrologic tolerance over twenty-seven years (1997–2023)

Asian swamp eels (Monopterus albus/javanensis) were first reported as introduced to Florida waterbodies in 1997 near Tampa and Miami; a third population was recorded by 1999 in Homestead. Initial assessments, published soon after swamp eels in southern Florida were first recorded in wetlands beyond canals and ponds (in 2007), concluded there was little threat to Florida’s aquatic ecosystems. Long-term data now suggest they precipitated population crashes of crayfishes and small fishes in the eastern Everglades. We used records from continuous long-term monitoring programs, sporadic monitoring studies, and online databases to reconstruct swamp eel presence across Florida. Monitoring studies provided wetland hydrologic variables to assess limits for swamp eels. From 1997–2007, populations in southern Florida remained restricted to canals; initial spread from 2007–2017 across southern Everglades National Park proceeded slowly and the two populations covered ~1500 km2 of southern Florida. From 2017–2022, the rate of spread increased as they spread west and north (~5800 km2 range). Through 2014, the Tampa population occurred only along southern/eastern Tampa Bay (~60 km2) but has since spread south along the Gulf Coast, east into central Florida, and south along the Lake Wales Ridge (~11,000 km2). We found evidence of two potentially new introductions, in Palm Beach County and Orlando. There was no clear evidence of limitation of wetland drying on swamp eel occurrence in the Everglades; they were captured in marshes that dried for 1–5 months during the previous dry season, but short-hydroperiod wetlands may have slowed spread. In the Everglades, evidence suggests swamp eels may have been inadvertently spread into marshes from canals used to deliver water for flood control and hydrologic restoration. Swamp eels are currently spreading unchecked across Florida, and there should be great concern about continued spread in this region and their establishment and spread elsewhere.

Spatiotemporal characteristics of deep convection initiation in the Central United States

AbstractThis research examines the spatiotemporal characteristics of deep convection initiation (DCI) using a dataset of approximately 182,000 instances of DCI occurring over an 11‐year period in the Central United States. Spatial statistical analysis reveals differences in the frequency of DCI occurrence across the study area. Favoured areas of DCI are most common across areas of higher terrain and in proximity to the Gulf Coast, while DCI occurs less frequently over the northern Great Plains. Spatial differences in the degree of interannual variability of DCI are also noted, with higher (lower) interannual variability generally noted in areas of less (more) frequent DCI occurrence. Unsupervised machine learning is utilized to identify spatial variability in the diurnal cycle of DCI. The data and methods in this study are able to reliably identify more obvious differences in diurnal time series of DCI occurrence, while more subtle differences such as those resulting from localized or weaker mechanisms are identified less reliably. However, from these results it is obvious that spatial variability in the diurnal time series of DCI exists.

New old parasite – liver fluke

Fasciola hepatica, the common liver fluke, has been known to cause ill health in livestock for over 100 years in the United States, yet it remains a parasite of importance in the Gulf Coast and Pacific Northwest. One of its major effects is to cause ane­mia, however, its presence may not immediately be considered, especially in the southeastern United States, because of the highly pathogenic and ubiquitous barber pole worm, Haemon­chus contortus. Little research has been conducted on F. hepatica in the United States in recent years, and goats appear to have been much less studied than sheep and cattle. Alternative, complementary diagnostics to conventional fecal examination (normally using sedimentation techniques) would be useful, as would new anthelmintics. However, in the absence of both, control of liver flukes must be given careful consideration in terms of maintaining animal health and welfare and preserv­ing the efficacy of existing flukicides. Testing for efficacy of anthelmintics currently used in practice would contribute to­wards making recommendations regarding their rational use.

Unraveling the Non‐Homogeneous Dispersion Processes in Ocean and Coastal Circulations Using a Clustering Approach

AbstractDispersion processes in environmental flows have been traditionally studied under the strong assumption of homogeneous, isotropic and stationary turbulence. To overcome this limitation, we propose a new approach that combines autocorrelation analysis of simulated Lagrangian trajectories together with unsupervised clustering. To test the approach, we consider several dynamic scenarios around a coastal gulf, subject to different forcing, in order to compare our method with other approaches. Lagrangian trajectories forced by the varying coastal circulation exhibited different behaviors, looping and non‐looping paths, and produced a variety of Lagrangian autocorrelation functions. Our approach proves to be able to reveal spatio‐temporal variations in ocean dispersion processes without any a priori knowledge of the character of the trajectories. Clusters based on the autocorrelation functions are associated to different inhomogeneous dispersion processes. Finally, we propose a new stochastic model capable of predicting the different forms of autocorrelations.

The first record of an established population of Amblyomma maculatum (Acari: Ixodidae) in New Jersey, USA.

Amblyomma maculatum Koch, the Gulf Coast tick, is expanding northward from its original range in the southeastern United States. In 2013, its most northern collection was in Delaware. Amblyomma maculatum has since been found in Connecticut, Illinois, and New York. It is the vector of the human pathogen Rickettsia parkeri, the causative agent of R. parkeri rickettsiosis. We report the first finding of an established population of A. maculatum in Salem County, NJ, with a R. parkeri infection prevalence rate of 23.8%. Our finding of A. maculatum is consistent with other recent findings in the northeastern United States in that specimens were found in open areas devoid of tree canopy. This discovery demonstrates the importance of tick surveillance in order to identify expanding tick populations and the pathogens they may transmit.

ICEEMDAN-Informer-GWO: a hybrid model for accurate wind speed prediction.

Extensive research has been diligently conducted on wind energy technologies in response to pressing global environmental challenges and the growing demand for energy. Accurate wind speed predictions are crucial for the effective integration of large wind power systems. This study presents a novel and hybrid framework called ICEEMDAN-Informer-GWO, which combines three components to enhance the accuracy of wind speed predictions. The improved complete ensemble empirical mode decomposition with adaptive noise (ICEEMDAN) component improves the decomposition of wind speed data, the Informer model provides computationally efficient wind speed predictions, and the grey wolf optimisation (GWO) algorithm optimises the parameters of the Informer model to achieve superior performance. Three different sets of wind speed prediction (WSP) models and wind farm data from Block Island, Gulf Coast, and Garden City are used to thoroughly assess the proposed hybrid framework. This evaluation focusses on WSP for three specific time horizons: 5minutes, 30minutes, and 1hour ahead. The results obtained from the three conducted experiments conclusively demonstrate that the proposed hybrid framework exhibits superior performance, leading to statistically significant improvements across all three time horizons.

The Evaluation of Explicit Parameters on Eulerian-Lagrangian Simulation of Wave Impact on Coastal Bridges

Simply supported bridges along the United States Gulf Coast are highly vulnerable to extreme wave conditions and water elevations. A better understanding of the loading demands on the bridges under these extreme events will lead to improved designs and enhanced resiliency. Nonetheless, analyses through numerical models pose difficulties in terms of reliability and computational burden. On the other hand, experimental models for large-scale bridge superstructures are subject to limited space allocation and related scaling challenges. Hence, optimized Finite Element (FE) models that can simulate Wave-Superstructure Interaction (WSI) are a preferred viable solution to estimate loads experienced by these bridge superstructures. Nonetheless, the results of the FE simulations are highly dependent on the numerical parameters and configurations implemented in the model; thus, the implications of parameter selection must be assessed to help scholars and engineers develop reliable FE models. In this paper, an experimental scaled model was used to calibrate numerical models following the Coupled Eulerian-Lagrangian (CEL) technique in ABAQUS. This explicit approach solves the Navier-Stokes equations to simulate fluid flow, and the dynamics response of the structure depends on analysis parameters (mass scaling factor, damping hourglass control, displacement hourglass scaling factor, and bulk viscosity scaling factors) and configurations (mesh size). The results provide a platform to compare numerical outputs and find the best parameters that suit WSI models. Moreover, the force signals applied to the superstructure experience high oscillations due to WSI. Different digital filter designs have been used to remove unwanted oscillations and provide researchers with recommendations on generating models that deliver optimal results.

Source identification and spatial distribution of phthalate acid esters in fish and sediments along the Persian Gulf coast

A quantification of phthalate acid esters (PAEs) concentrations was performed on sediment and fish samples collected from industrial, urban, and rural regions along the Persian Gulf coastline from November 2020 to March 2021. The results indicated that the mean concentrations of ƩPAEs in sediment samples from urban, industrial, and rural regions were 1486, 855, and 257 ng/g, respectively. In fish samples, the corresponding values were 392, 284, and 62.4 ng/g. The mean concentrations of ƩPAEs in sediment/fish samples from urban and industrial areas were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than in rural areas. DEHP had the highest level and detection frequency (DF = 100 %) of the PAEs congeners studied. The DEHP concentrations in sediment samples from the Urban, Industrial, and Rural regions were 283 ± 37.5, 219 ± 15.7, and 44.9 ± 19.5 ng/g, respectively, while in fish samples, they were 904 ± 272, 564 ± 60.5, and 146 ± 43.5 ng/g, respectively. The results of the ecotoxicological effects assessment also revealed that the Persian Gulf coasts are significantly contaminated with PAEs, which may have substantial effects on the aquatic ecosystem of the region (including the composition of aquaculture communities, enzymatic processes, and marine culture microorganisms). As a result, there is an urgent need for decision-makers and policymakers to enact laws that prohibit the discharge of PAEs-containing waste into the Persian Gulf coasts to protect the marine ecosystem.

The performance of solvent-based direct air capture across geospatial and temporal climate regimes

IntroductionLiquid-solvent direct air capture (DAC) is a prominent approach for carbon dioxide removal but knowing where to site these systems is challenging because it requires considering a multitude of interrelated geospatial factors. Two of the most pressing factors are: (1) how should DAC be powered to provide the greatest net removal of CO2 and (2) how does weather impact its performance?.MethodsTo investigate these questions, this study develops a process-level model of a liquid-solvent DAC system and couples it to a 20-year dataset of temperature and humidity conditions at a ~9km resolution across the contiguous US.Results and discussionWe find that the amount of CO2 sequestered could be 30% to 50% greater than the amount of CO2 removed from the atmosphere if natural gas is burned on site to power DAC, but that the optimal way to power DAC is independent of capture rate (i.e., weather), depending solely on the upstream GHG intensity of electricity and natural gas. Regardless of how it is powered, air temperature and humidity conditions can change the performance of DAC by up to ~3x and can also vary substantially across weather years. Across the continuous US, we find that southern states (e.g., Gulf Coast) are preferrable locations for a variety of reasons, including higher and less variable air temperature and relative humidity. Lastly, we also find the performance of liquid-solvent DAC calculated with monthly means is within 2% of the estimated performance calculated with hourly data for more than a third of the country, including in the states with weather most favorable for liquid-solvent DAC.

The scimitar-cat Homotherium from the submerged continental shelf of the Gulf Coast of Texas.

The machairodontine felid Homotherium achieved a global geographic distribution throughout much of the Pleistocene. Accordingly, that large carnivore is important for understanding patterns of community composition. We report on a new record of Homotherium based on a fragmentary premaxilla-maxilla discovered on McFaddin Beach, Texas, along the Gulf of Mexico. Skeletal remains of extinct, Pleistocene vertebrates accumulate on McFaddin Beach. Those fossils appear to originate from submerged deposits on the continental shelf in the Gulf of Mexico, an area that was subaerially exposed in the Late Pleistocene during glacial intervals. Marine erosion and transport altered the externally visible morphology of the current specimen, obscuring and/or damaging taxonomically informative details of the preserved dentition. However, high-resolution X-ray computed tomography revealed diagnostic portions of the unerupted crown of an upper canine within its alveolus. The serrated edges of the canine combined with the position of the incisors demonstrate that the specimen from McFaddin Beach represents a species of Homotherium. That specimen is the latest in a larger sample of Homotherium in Texas that spans most of the Pliocene-Pleistocene. This is the first occurrence of Homotherium from the continental shelf of the Gulf Coast. That landscape may have formed a broad subtropical Gulf Coast corridor that facilitated the dispersal of Neotropical taxa along the coast between Texas and Florida. The associated fauna from McFaddin Beach contains Neotropical mammals common to southern Texas and Florida and indicates that Homotherium was a member of the fauna inhabiting the Gulf Coast corridor during the Late Pleistocene.

Using public participation gis to understand texas coastal communities’ perceptions and preferences for urban green space development in connection to their perceptions of flood risk

Urban green spaces, a form of green infrastructure, provide cities with a number of opportunities to build urban resilience to withstand a wide range of urban challenges, such as land-use change, climate change, biodiversity loss, and physical and mental health. Despite their benefits to communities, urban green spaces are among the most valuable and attractive areas for development and are most susceptible to urban development. Therefore, careful planning of the green space network is needed,requiring diverse voices from not only city policymakers and planning experts but also local residents. This study investigated residents’ perceptions and preferences for green space development and its association with perceived flood risk. Data were collected from residents residing in two Texas Gulf Coast cities via a Public Participation Geographic Information System (PPGIS) platform. Our analyses revealed that Texas Gulf Coast residents assigned a full spectrum of landscape values to their existing urban green spaces with aesthetic and recreation values being most frequently identified. Notably, across the city landscape, urban green spaces that were most favored by residents tended to be green spaces with water bodies, large in scale and offered a broader array of facilities/amenities. These spaces were also identified as flood-prone areas, presenting opportunities for green space improvement, flood protection, and preservation. In addition, we observed a significant association between residents’ risk perception and the number of locations across the city landscape they perceived as posing the greatest flooding threat. Our findings illustrate a need to promote multiple landscape values of urban green spaces, especially in its ability to protect the city from future flooding. This research highlights how PPGIS can support green infrastructure planning as well as enhance public participation in green infrastructure planning processes.

Assessing and managing the risk of Aedes mosquito introductions via the global maritime trade network.

The global shipping network (GSN) has been suggested as a pathway for the establishment and reintroduction of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus primarily via the tire trade. We used historical maritime movement data in combination with an agent-based model to understand invasion risk in the United States Gulf Coast and how the risk of these invasions could be reduced. We found a strong correlation between the total number of cargo ship arrivals at each port and likelihood of arrival by both Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus. Additionally, in 2012, 99.2% of the arrivals into target ports had most recently visited ports likely occupied by both Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus, increasing risk of Aedes invasion. Our model results indicated that detection and removal of mosquitoes from containers when they are unloaded effectively reduced the probability of mosquito populations establishment even when the connectivity of ports increased. To reduce the risk of invasion and reintroduction of Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus, surveillance and control efforts should be employed when containers leave high risk locations and when they arrive in ports at high risk of establishment.

Enhancing Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus Surveillance in New Jersey: Optimized Collection of Culiseta Melanura.

Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV) causes the most clinically severe neuroinvasive arboviral disease in the United States. The virus is endemic in eastern and Gulf Coast states and the Great Lakes region, causing cases annually. To detect EEEV circulation in its enzootic cycle before the virus infects humans and other mammals, mosquito control agencies in New Jersey have conducted mosquito surveillance using a series of permanent wooden resting box sites since 1975. We conducted 2 field studies, 1 evaluating resting traps and 1 evaluating efficacy of CO2 lures, to optimize collection of Culiseta melanura, the primary enzootic vector of EEEV. Resulting mosquito samples were subjected to molecular analysis to determine EEEV infection rates. Corrugated plastic boxes trapped more bloodfed Cs. melanura than other resting trap types (resting boxes, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC] resting traps, or fiber pots) and were similar to resting boxes in total number of female Cs. melanura caught. Further, non-baited CDC light traps were more successful in trapping host-seeking Cs. melanura than those baited with dry ice, a CO2 lure. The EEEV RNA was identified in Cs. melanura, Aedes vexans, Anopheles quadrimaculatus, and Uranotaenia sapphirina. Our findings indicate that corrugated plastic boxes and non-CO2 baited traps could improve detection of Cs. melanura. Mosquito control agencies are encouraged to periodically assess their surveillance strategy for EEEV.

Assessing the potential invasive range of Trichonephila clavata using species distribution models

Since its establishment in North America around 2013, the east-Asian spider Trichonephila clavata has expanded its range to 120,000 km2. We used ‘MaxEnt’ species distribution models (SDMs) to assess the potential range and invasive process of T. clavata based on its climatic niche preferences. Results reveal T. clavata exhibits a preference for climatic niches between subtropical and temperate latitudes, with high suitability primarily forecasted in montane forests and coastal regions spanning latitudes of 30-50 degrees. Geographic projections indicate high risk of expansion beyond the current invasive range. Areas over 50% suitability are predicted as far north as 45-50º N, reaching into southern Canada, while the southern extent approaches the Gulf Coast. Response curves show peak suitability occurs at below-freezing temperatures for minimum temperature of the coldest month. Similar drivers of distribution between native and invasive models, and an invasive niche occurring within the native range, each suggest niche conservatism for invasive populations. Overall, the vast regions of climatically suitable habitat predicted in North America indicate a highly permissive climate, highlighting the need for further research on biotic factors and management strategies to mitigate spread and impacts.

A newly discovered trematode parasite infecting the bay scallop, Argopecten irradians

A novel parasite infecting the gill tissue of bay scallops (Argopecten irradians) was first observed in North Carolina in 2012 and has also been found infecting bay scallop populations along the gulf coast of Florida. Because the parasite infects a host of great fisheries interest and is extremely conspicuous to the naked eye, and yet was not observed before 2012, it is likely an introduced species. Preliminary morphological analyses indicate that this parasite is a trematode in the superfamily Hemiuroidea and that it uses the bay scallop as a first intermediate host. All other hosts are currently unknown. Phylogenetic analyses show that this novel parasite belongs to family Didymozoidae and forms a strongly supported clade with a recently described trematode from Australia, Saccularina magnacetabula. Histological analysis indicates that Saccularina sp. sporocysts inhabit and greatly expand the afferent vessels of the host's gills. Prevalence monitoring of Saccularina sp. in caged and wild bay scallop populations in North Carolina shows a strong pattern of seasonality that is consistent across sites, but no latitudinal gradient was found, suggesting that prevalence is likely driven by final host distribution in time and space. This research provides important baseline information on the basic biology of Saccularina sp. and impacts on its economically important host, the bay scallop.

A longitudinal investigation of risk perceptions and adaptation behavior in the US Gulf Coast.

Climate change is occurring more rapidly than expected, requiring that people quickly and continually adapt to reduce human suffering. The reality is that climate change-related threats are unpredictable; thus, adaptive behavior must be continually performed even when threat saliency decreases (e.g. time has passed since climate-hazard exposure). Climate change-related threats are also intensifying; thus, new or more adaptive behaviors must be performed over time. Given the need to sustain climate change-related adaptation even when threat saliency decreases, it becomes essential to better understand how the relationship between risk perceptions and adaptation co-evolve over time. In this study, we present results from a probability-based representative sample of 2,774 Texas and Florida residents prospectively surveyed 5 times (2017-2022) in the presence and absence of exposure to tropical cyclones, a climate change-related threat. Distinct trajectories of personal risk perceptions emerged, with higher and more variable risk perceptions among the less educated and those living in Florida. Importantly, as tropical cyclone adaptation behaviors increased, personal risk perceptions decreased over time, particularly in the absence of storms, while future tropical cyclone risk perceptions remained constant. In sum, adapting occurs in response to current risk but may inhibit future action despite increasing future tropical cyclone risks. Our results suggest that programs and policies encouraging proactive adaptation investment may be warranted.

Regional Sediment Management in US Coastal States: Historical Trends and Future Predictions

Sea level rise and natural disasters, such as hurricanes and tropical storms, are resulting in coastal erosion-related problems across the US. Beach nourishment is one of the most commonly adopted solutions for erosion mitigation. Borrow sources for nourishment are often from offshore or upland mines. However, in some areas, sediment availability from known borrow sources is becoming scarce. This suggests that sediment should be considered a non-renewable resource within the framework of long-term planning and coastal management decisions. Regional Sediment Management (RSM), or the beneficial use of dredge material (BUDM), targets inlets for borrowing material and can also be a more cost-efficient strategy that has widely been supported by the US Army Corps of Engineers as a system-based approach. However, not all states have embraced this approach, and a national-scale evaluation of these projects in coastal management and adaptation is needed. This study examines past RSM/BUDM projects in the top ten most highly nourished states in the US and compares those trends to a selection of minimally nourished states from different coasts. Based on the historical trends identified, the volume of sediment required for future RSM/BUDM projects in these areas over the next 50 years is predicted using Auto Regressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) models. Although growth in the total number of RSM/BUDM projects was measured over time, there was a decline in the volume of sediment placed for these projects. Results of the forecasting model suggest that CA, NC, and the FL Gulf Coast could require the highest volume of sediments for RSM/BUDM activities over the next 50 years. Based solely on proximity to inlets for sediment resources, DE, FL Atlantic, and NJ coasts are potential beaches that can increase BUDM activities. This study aims to provide a framework to evaluate the suitability of future RSM/BUDM projects in efforts to mitigate coastal erosion.

C-HAND: near real-time coastal flood mapping

The Texas Gulf Coast region contains significant centers of population, infrastructure, and economy and is threatened by intensifying tropical storms. The flooding from these tropical storms often has multiple compounding drivers. This characteristic presents a complex numerical problem where a simulation must consider multiple hydrologic forcings. While several procedures exist for addressing this problem numerically, they tend to be resource-intensive and cannot be conducted in near real-time. We extend GeoFlood, a reduced physics approach for fluvial flood forecasting, to rapidly predict coastal and compound fluvial-coastal inundation. This method is validated against a numerical ocean circulation model (ADCIRC) simulation of Hurricane Ike, a major coastal flooding event that happened on the Texas Gulf Coast in 2008. We show that the inundation map generated by coastal HAND (c-HAND) has reasonable agreement with the ADCIRC simulation while taking about 1.7% of the time currently needed to run ADCIRC on a supercomputer. While our model correctly predicts 99% of ADCIRC-inundated DEM cells, it also overpredicts inundated area by a factor of approximately 27%. We combine c-HAND with the GeoFlood framework for fluvial flood forecasting to create a compound fluvial-coastal inundation mapping workflow that can be run in near real-time. c-HAND's fast wall-clock time and low CPU requirements can support decision making by first response personnel. The method provides timely and convenient access to crucial information, such as the locations of flooded roads and inundated coastal areas.

Spatio-Temporal Pattern and Vulnerability Assessment of the Human Settlements along the Beibu Gulf Coast of Guangxi, China

Human settlement development is intricately linked to production and life, and development quality is a partial indicator of the local community’s social, economic, cultural, and environmental progress. Furthermore, the human settlements’ vulnerability affects their sustainable development potential. Due to the “One Belt, One Road” initiative and land and sea corridor development in southwestern China, the Beibu Gulf coast in Guangxi is the sole waterway bridgehead used by China for opening trade with ASEAN. By examining the region’s human settlements and its potential for sustainable development, we established a benchmark for the region’s seaward economy and human settlements to achieve synergistic progress, as well as to enhance regional integration. Based on the systematic evaluation of the quality of human settlements along the Beibu Gulf coast in Guangxi, the vulnerability assessment model of human settlement was adopted to analyse the vulnerability and spatial–temporal patterns of nearby human settlements in 2010–2019, while the multiple linear regression model was used to explore their influencing factors. Our findings indicate that the quality of human settlements in the study area has experienced three distinct stages. In the early stage (2010–2012), we noted an overall year-on-year increase in settlement quality. However, in the middle stage (2013–2016), Fangchenggang and Beihai experienced a decline followed by an increase, while Qinzhou demonstrated a steady growth in settlement quality. Qinzhou continued to experience growth, albeit at a slower rate, while Fangchenggang’s rate of increase surpassed that of Beihai. The human settlements’ high-quality centre shifted between Qinzhou and Fangchenggang in the late stage (2017–2019). Additionally, in recent years, the settlements’ high-quality centre has shifted towards the western part of the region. The habitat’s sensitivity has grown slowly, as has the responsiveness index, but the vulnerability index continues to decline, and it is characterised by a spatial differentiation ranging from low to high values in a centre–east–west direction. The region’s human settlement quality is primarily influenced by economic development. The region’s habitat vulnerability is primarily caused by responsibility, and the primary factors affecting responsibility are regional imbalances in social service development, the population’s welfare, and employment and infrastructure.

Precision in mapping and assessing mangrove Biomass: Insights from the Persian Gulf coasts

This groundbreaking research makes a contribution to climate change adaptation studies by filling a crucial knowledge gap related to the precise evaluation of mangrove biomass—an essential element influencing the future trends of coastal ecosystems. Specifically, the study concentrates on the Hara Biosphere Reserve (HBR) on the coasts of the Persian Gulf (PG), aiming to generate precise maps of mangrove biomass. The methodological approach involves a comprehensive analysis, including the utilization of Landsat imagery to establish an NDVI map of mangroves, the application of the Cumulative Sum (CUSUM) method to determine a threshold NDVI value for distinguishing between tall and dwarf mangroves, and the subsequent mapping of their distribution in both coastal and island zones. Additionally, the study calculates above-ground biomass (AGB) and below-ground biomass (BGB) values in sample plots, develops a regression relationship between biomass and NDVI values, and integrates maps of tall and dwarf mangrove extent with spatial variations in AGB and BGB. Noteworthy outcomes include the identification of a threshold NDVI value (0.63) for distinguishing mangrove types and revealing distinct biomass values for mangroves in both coastal and island zones. Significantly, tall mangroves positioned on the seaward edges exhibit higher biomass in both zones than dwarf mangroves. These findings shed light on the potential exacerbation of climate change impacts, such as rising sea levels and changing tidal range on mangroves of the coasts of the PG due to the heightened productivity and specific spatial distribution of tall mangroves. Recognizing these structural characteristics and production disparities is crucial for developing effective climate change adaptation programs. Integrating such insights into management strategies is emphasized as pivotal for enhancing the efficiency and success of these programs, presenting a robust solution for protecting mangroves in diverse coastal areas.