Mangrove Canopy Cover Research Articles

MACROZOOBENTHOS ABUNDANCE IN THE MANGROVE AREA OF TANAH MERAH SAMBOJA KUTAI KARTANEGARA EAST KALIMANTAN

Tanah Merah Beach is a coastal area of Samboja in East Kalimantan, which is a local tourist destination. The association of coastal ecosystems can be shown by macrozoobenthos, as one of the biota components in coastal areas to mangroves. This study identifies the species, calculates the abundance, and analyses the ecological index of macrozoobenthos, as well as looking at the relationship between nutrients and sediment texture with the number of macrozoobenthos found. The purpose of this research is to determine the condition of nutrients in the sediment substrate to its abundance in the mangrove ecosystem area. Sampling was conducted at three points based on the percentage of mangrove canopy cover in the Monmang version 2.0 application, with each point represented by 3 quadrant points measuring 0.25 m2. The results showed that the percentage of mangrove canopy cover was categorised as slight-moderate, the abundance of individuals was dominated by the Gastropoda class with 9 species and a small proportion of the Bivalve class. The ecological indices in order are the Diversity Index (H') in the low category, Diversity (E) in the low category, and dominance (C) found Cerithidae sp species dominating each point. The highest abundance was found at radius 2 canopy cover 77.24 - 83.13%. Nutrient content in sediment, nitrate (1.00-16.25 mg/L), phosphate (29.01-83.94 mg/L), organic carbon (2.23-3.24%) with confirmed sediment texture of sandy loam. Nitrate content ranged from 1.00-16.25 mg/L, Phosphate 34.65 - 44.51 mg/L and Organic carbon 2.23-3.24% (per mg) in the sediment and a significant effect of phosphate content on Macrozoobenthos abundance was found in the correlation test results.

Analisis Komparatif Tutupan Mangrove Menggunakan Citra Landsat 9 dan Sentinel 2A di Desa Labuan Tereng Kabupaten Lombok Barat

Labuan Tereng Village is a place where mangrove vegetation grows and develops. The location close to the harbor sheet makes the mangrove ecosystem damaged by port activities. High port activity can disrupt the condition of mangrove ecosystem development in Labuan Tereng Village. This study was conducted to evaluate mangrove health by looking at canopy cover or canopy density using the Hemispherical Photography method analyzed using Landsat 9 and Sentinel 2A to assess the extent of relationship between mangrove canopy cover and images. The findings revealed that the mean mangrove cover density value of 66% which is included in the medium category. Statistical analysis of several vegetation indexes with mangrove cover obtained the highest linear regression results in the SAVI model with a value of 0,41 for Landsat 9 images and 0,65 for Sentinel 2A images. The results of image data analysis on Sentinel 2A show a smaller pixel size value and contain more pixels so as to produce better and complex data analysis when compared to Landsat 9 imagery.

Mangrove Plant Community Structure, Sungai Apung Village, Tanjung Balai Sub-District, Asahan District, North Sumatra Province

Mangroves are a type of vegetation found in tropical coastal areas. In general, mangrove vegetation thrives in sloping coastal areas or near river estuaries and beaches that are protected from waves. The physical function of mangrove forests is to keep the coastline stable, protect the coast from erosion, reduce storms and waves, and catch sediment, while the biological function of mangroves is as a spawning place or residence, shelter for shrimp, crabs, shellfish, and other animals. Research on Mangrove Plant Community Structure in the Kwala Indah Village Area was carried out in August–November 2023 with the aim of determining mangrove types, mangrove diversity and uniformity, dominance, the Important Value Index (INP), and mangrove canopy cover in Singai Apung Village. The method used to observe the community structure of mangrove plants is to use the quadrant transect method by analyzing species density, relative density, species frequency, relative frequency, species dominance, relative dominance, and important value index at the tree level. , saplings and seedlings, as well as canopy cover. Based on the research results, 10 species were found, namely Avicennia alba, Avicennia lanata, Bruguiera cylindrica, Bruguiera sexangula, Excoearia agallocha, Lumnitzera littorea, Rhizophora apiculata, Rhizophora mucronata, Sonneratia alba, and Xylocarpus granatum. Rhizopora mucronata, which has INP, diversity in the medium category, and uniformity in the high category, has the highest dominance in Rhizophora mucronata. Canopy cover is in the dense category.

Penilaian Kondisi Komunitas Mangrove di Kawasan Hutan Mangrove Ciletuh, Sukabumi, Jawa Barat


 
 
 
 This study aimed to analyze the composition of mangrove vegetation, the Important Value Index (IVI) of mangroves, the condition of the mangrove community (mangrove density and mangrove canopy cover), and environmental parameters as supporting data in the Ciletuh Mangrove Forest Area, Sukabumi, West Java. The research method used in this research is a quantitative descriptive method. The number of stations determined is four; each observation station is made of a plot of 10 x 10 meters, with three plots for each station. The results found seven mangrove species, namely Avicennia marina, Bruguierra cylindrica, Rhizophora apiculata, Rhizophora mucronata, Aegiceras corniculatum, Hibiscus tiliaceus, and Nypa fruticans. The mangrove species found were dominated by A. marina, where this species was found at all stations and had the highest Important Value Index (IVI) value among other species, ranging from 88.96 - 195.55%. Mangrove communities in the Ciletuh Mangrove Forest Area are in good condition referring to the Decree of the Minister of Environment No. 201 of 2004 concerning Standard Criteria and Guidelines for Mangrove Damage with density values ranging from 1533 – 2933 stands/ha and the percentage of mangrove canopy cover ranging from 80.54 - 82.22%.
 
 
 

KARAKTER VEGETASI, KEANEKARAGAMAN MAKROZOOBENTOS DAN KARBON PADA SEDIMEN DI KAWASAN MANGROVE NUSA LEMBONGAN DAN ESTUARI PERANCAK

Natural mangroves can be found in Nusa Lembongan, which is bordered by coral reefs, while in the Perancak Estuary, some of the lands are former ponds. The aim of the study was to determine the density, canopy cover, and organic carbon content in mangrove sediments. Data were collected from 3 stations, using transects measuring 10 x 10 m to determine density, height, trunk circumference, and canopy cover, as well as macrozoobenthos sampling. The mangrove density in Lembongan is very high, the tree height reaches 8 – 10 meters, and the mangrove canopy cover is in a good category. The macrozoobenthos diversity index is in the medium category and the carbon content in the sediments is high. Mangroves in Perancak Estuary are densely dense, with an average tree height of 8 meters, and canopy cover in the good category. The index of macrozoobenthos diversity was moderate and the organic carbon in the sediments was lower than in the mangroves at Nusa Lembongan. The character of the mangrove vegetation is different in the two areas. The Nusa Lembongan mangrove growing area is directly opposite the sea, but in the Perancak Estuary, it tends to be closed and flows by a large river around it. The mangrove growth zone is still natural in the Nusa Lembongan area, in contrast to the Perancak Estuary mangrove area which has been rehabilitated at several points.
 Keywords: Mangrove vegetation; macrozoobenthos; carbon on sediment

Identifying optimal values of coastal habitat condition for management and restoration

Fish assemblages are considered valuable monitoring targets for coastal and marine ecosystems because their populations can reflect ecosystem condition. Human impacts to coastal seascapes are pervasive, necessitating management and restoration actions that are assessed against quantitative targets. Relationships between metrics of habitat condition and animal assemblages can be used to identify where management interventions should aim to maximise outcomes for key functions and services. In this study, we surveyed fish assemblages (using underwater videography) and habitat condition (focusing on the size, composition and complexity of habitats) of five estuarine ecosystems (mangrove forests, seagrass meadows, saltmarsh, log snags and rocky outcrops) across 13 estuaries over two years (for n = 981 sites) in southeast Queensland, Australia. We used generalised additive models to quantify relationships and identify thresholds between metrics indexing habitat condition and key metrics of fish assemblages (species richness and abundance), and used these models to calculate optimal habitat condition values that maximise habitat value for fish and fisheries. We also identified indicator fish species whose abundance correlated with these optimal values. Metrics of habitat condition that index food availability for fish (such as algae and oyster cover) or broader habitat complexity (such as seagrass height or mangrove canopy cover) were consistently important for fish biodiversity and abundance. Relationships were readily translated into optimal values for key metrics of habitat condition for four of the five ecosystems surveyed. We propose that incorporating optimal values of habitat condition into management would maximise the abundance of key indicator fish species, including several which are important fisheries targets. The findings of this study will help managers to identify the optimal condition requirements of coastal ecosystems, thereby maximising the effectiveness and efficiency of often sparse management resources.

Mangrove community structure in the waters of the Beladeng River Estuary, Dompak Village, Tanjungpinang

The waters of the Beladeng River Muara is one of the areas in the Dompak Tanjungpinang Sub-District which has quite large potential for mangrove ecosystems. To maintain the condition of the mangrove ecosystem, it is necessary to know the structure of the mangrove community itself. The purpose of this study was to determine the types of mangroves and the structure of the mangrove community which includes the level of species density, species frequency, species closure, importance value index and mangrove canopy cover in the waters of the Beladeng River estuary, Dompak Tanjungpinang Village. This research was conducted in April-December 2022 using the Purposive Sampling method with 3 stations. In observing the mangrove ecosystem using the Transect Line Plot method measuring 10x10 m2. Based on the results of the study, there were 3 types of mangroves found, namely Rhizophora apiculata, Xylocarpus granatum, and Brugueira gymnorhiza. Meanwhile, the mangrove community structure obtained the highest density at station 3 with a value of 4733.34 ind/ha. At station 1, the types of Rhizophora apiculata and Xylocarpus granatum received the same frequency values, and the highest IVI was achieved by Xylocarpus granatum. At station 2 the highest species frequency values were found in 2 species, namely Xylocarpus granatum and Rhizophora apiculata, and the highest IVI was Rhizhopora apiculata. For station 3, the 3 types of mangroves got the same type frequency value, and the highest IVI was achieved by Rhizophora apiculata. Meanwhile, the highest percentage of mangrove canopy cover was found at station 1 with good and very dense categories.

Comparison of mangrove canopy covering accuracy using landsat 8 and landsat 9 imagery based on several vegetation indices in West Bali National Park

The remote sensing implementation is beneficial as a means of monitoring the ecosystem. Landsat imagery is a remote sensing (open access) based data source with a long and wide monitoring period with good image quality. This study compares the accuracy of Landsat 8 and Landsat 9 satellite images in detecting mangrove canopy cover using 13 different remote sensing vegetation indices in the West Bali National Park, Indonesia. The mangrove canopy cover data was collected with the hemispherical photography method. A linear regression test was conducted to determine the relationship between the remote sensing vegetation indices and the field's percentage of mangrove canopy cover. The result indicated that Landsat 8 was more accurate in detecting mangrove canopy cover than Landsat 9. Of the 13 remote sensing indices evaluated, the Chlorophyll Vegetation Index (CVI) had the highest accuracy, with R2 values of 0.86 and 0.75 for Landsat 8 and 9, respectively.*

The lunar nodal cycle controls mangrove canopy cover on the Australian continent.

Long-phase (interannual) tidal cycles have been shown to influence coastal flooding and sedimentation, but their role in shaping the extent and condition of tidal wetlands has received little attention. Here, we show that the 18.61-year lunar nodal cycle, popularly termed the “lunar wobble,” is a dominant control over the expansion and contraction of mangrove canopy cover over much of the Australian continent. Furthermore, the contrasting phasing of the 18.61-year lunar nodal cycle between diurnal and semidiurnal tidal settings has mediated the severity of drought impacts in northern bioregions. Long-phase tidal cycles regulate maximum tide heights, are an important control over mangrove canopy cover, and may influence mangrove ecosystem services including forest productivity and carbon sequestration at regional scales.

Estimation of Mangrove Canopy Cover Using Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) in Indramayu Regency, West Java

Mangrove forests are an essential natural resource in coastal environments and have three main functions: physical, biological, and economic. Indramayu regency is one of the areas on the north coast of Java with a coastline length of 147 km. The decrease of mangrove canopy in Indramayu regency cannot be separated from the land clearing for a fish pond. Therefore, monitoring activity is important to see the mangroves sustainability management. An alternative way to monitor mangrove conditions is using an unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) to overcome the budget constraint and difficulties of doing field surveys. The study aims to estimate the mangrove canopy cover based on the NDVI derived from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV). The research was conducted in Indramayu in March 2021. Data collection was conducted using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) with multispectral sensors. The study shows that the best canopy cover estimator model is exponential regression with the equation of CC = 0.1535e1.9458NDVI and R2 = 0.636. The model can be used for monitoring mangroves periodically. Accurate monitoring data will be very useful in preparing policies and management strategies to maintain and improve the functions and services of the mangrove ecosystem.

Percentage of Mangrove Canopy Cover and Mollusks Abundance in Benoa Bay Mangrove Ecosystem

This research was conducted to determine the condition of the mangrove ecosystem based on its canopy cover and to determine the types of mollusks (Bivalves and Gastropods) associated with the Benoa Bay mangrove ecosystem. Hemispherical photography is a method for observing mangrove canopy cover and line transect method for mollusks. The composition of mangrove species found in the research location were five species, namely Rhizophora stylosa, Rhizophora mucronata, Rhizophora apiculata, Bruguiera gymnorrhiza, and Avicennia marina. The percentage of mangrove canopy cover in the Benoa Bay mangrove ecosystem is in a good category (average = 76.59%). There are eight types of mollusks found in the research location. There are two types of bivalves (Polymesoda bengalensis and Gafrarium pectinatum) and six types of gastropods (Nerita balteata, Nerita picea, Neritina turrita, Pila ampullacea, Cassidula aurisfelis, and Littoraria melanostoma). The relationship between the percentage of mangrove canopy cover and abundance of mollusks in the Benoa Bay mangrove ecosystem is very strong (r) of 0.920. The higher the percentage value of mangrove canopy cover, the higher the mollusks abundance.

Assessment of mangrove condition of Mare Island, North Maluku, Indonesia

This work aimed to determine the condition of mangroves according to the species density and mangrove canopy cover in marine conservation area of Mare Gam Village, Mare Island. The data were collected using the nested quadrat line transect method. The level of species density was calculated based on the criteria for mangrove growth, namely seedlings, saplings and trees. The results showed that there were 9 types of mangroves, based on the value of species density and canopy cover, the condition of mangroves at the observation site was in the good and dense category.

Disturbance frequency, intensity and forest structure modulate cyclone‐induced changes in mangrove forest canopy cover

AbstractAimTropical cyclones are large‐scale disturbances that can shape the structure and dynamics of mangrove forests. Although tropical cyclone activity overlaps extensively with the latitudinal distribution of mangrove forests, the relationships between cyclone intensity and frequency and mangrove forest canopy damage and recovery are not understood at the global scale. Using remote sensing data, we examined how mangrove forest structure, climate and cyclone characteristics influence canopy cover loss and recovery dynamics.LocationGlobal tropics.Time period2000–2020.Major taxa studiedMangrove trees.MethodsUsing two satellite‐derived vegetation indices (the enhanced vegetation index and the normalized difference infrared index) from 86 cyclones affecting 56 mangrove sites across the globe, we quantified mangrove canopy loss in relationship to cyclones. Using linear regression and variance decomposition, we identified and ranked significant predictors of cyclone‐induced canopy loss and recovery.ResultsThree‐quarters of the studied cyclone disturbances resulted in canopy damage. Stands exposed to high wind speeds and those close to the cyclone paths were more severely damaged, whereas lower damage magnitudes were found in sites with greater past cyclone frequency. Canopy damage was greater in tall mangrove stands but decreased with higher aboveground biomass. The distance from the cyclone path and maximum wind speed were the most important factors, representing > 50% of the explained variation in cyclone damage. There was considerable variation in canopy damage among cyclones, but rates of recovery were similar across all mangrove sites, with the main predictor of recovery time being the degree of canopy loss.Main conclusionsOur results suggest that the resistance of mangrove canopy cover to cyclone disturbance is variably tuned to the cyclone regime and vegetation characteristics, but resilience is inherent to the magnitude of canopy damage because the rate of forest canopy recovery appears to be consistent globally.

Distribution and accumulation of heavy metals from waters and sediments to Scylla serrata in Segara Anakan, Cilacap

Some heavy metals of Cd, Cu, Pb, and Hg polluted in Segara Anakan Cilacap, but no information on a specific heavy metal pollution in this area and an edible mud crab of Scylla serrata. The research aimed to know their distribution in this area and their accumulation of heavy metals from waters and sediments to Scylla serrata. The study was done using a survey method with purposive random sampling at six stations from Station SA-2-28 and SA-3-46 (with a high percentage mangrove canopy cover) to Station SA-2-24, SA-3-35, SA-1-10, and SA-3-16 (with a low percentage mangrove canopy cover). Three replications were done in the dry season conditions from July to September. The researcher took all samples with the water sampler tool, sediment core, and baited trap for sampling. Then, they were analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS) method. The result showed that the lowest heavy metals were at Station SA-2-28 and SA-3-46 and followed by Station SA-2-24, SA-3-5, SA-1-10, and SA-3-16 due to the high percentage of mangrove canopy cover, while the reserve order was due to the increased pollution in east side areas of Segara Anakan Cilacap. The heavy metal accumulation of Cd, Cu, Pb, and Hg has occurred from waters and sediments to Scylla serrata.

KLASIFIKASI LUASAN EKOSISTEM MANGROVE DI DESA PANTAI BAHAGIA, MUARA GEMBONG, KABUPATEN BEKASI DENGAN CITRA SENTINEL DENGAN METODE NORMALIZED DIFFERENCE VEGETATION INDEX

Ekosistem mangrove merupakan salah satu jenis sumber daya pesisir yang mempunyai manfaat baik secara fisik, biologis, dan ekonomis. Ekosistem mangrove di Kecamatan Muara Gembong merupakan ekosistem yang termasuk dalam kategori hutan lindung. Penelitian bertujuan mengestimasi luas hutan mangrove dan mengklasifikasi tutupan kanopi. Metode yang digunakan adalah Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) dan menggunakan citra sentinel (resolusi spasial 10 m). Klasifikasi tutupan kanopi mengacu pada standar Departemen Kehutanan Republik Indonesia. Data tutupan kanopi divalidasi dengan densiometer yang melihat persen tutupan kanopi mangrove. Hasil menunjukkan luas hutan mangrove mencapai 301,83 ha dengan tingkat kerapatan tinggi atau kelas tutupan rapat (dense) mencapai 59,31% atau 179,02 ha. Luasan mangrove di Desa Pantai Bahagia, Bekasi, meningkat dari beberapa tahun terakhir oleh karena adanya usaha rehabilitasi oleh komunitas lokal.

Tingkat kerusakan ekosistem mangrove di Kawasan Estuari Sei Jang Kecamatan Bukit Bestari Kota Tanjungpinang, Kepulauan Riau, Indonesia

Research on the level of damage to mangrove ecosystems has been carried out in Estuarine Area Sei Jang. The purpose of this study was to determine the types of mangroves, the density and percentage of mangrove canopy cover, and the level of damage to mangrove ecosystems in the Sei Jang Estuary Area of Tanjung Pinang City. This research was conducted in March 2019. Determination of the research location using a purposive sampling method of 3 stations and using a 10 x 10 m transect for the density and percentage of mangrove canopy cover. The results found four types of mangroves namely Bruguiera gymnorhiza, Rhizophora apiculata, Rhizophora mucronata, and Ceriops tagal with density values (1.033-1.367 individu/ha) and the percentage of mangrove canopy cover with values (61.55-78.41%). For the level of damage at Station I and III are categorized (good) and Station II is categorized (Damaged).

Land Cover Classification in Mangrove Ecosystems Based on VHR Satellite Data and Machine Learning—An Upscaling Approach

Mangrove forests grow in the inter-tidal areas along coastlines, rivers, and tidal lands. They are highly productive ecosystems and provide numerous ecological and economic goods and services for humans. In order to develop programs for applying guided conservation and enhancing ecosystem management, accurate and regularly updated maps on their distribution, extent, and species composition are needed. Recent advances in remote sensing techniques have made it possible to gather the required information about mangrove ecosystems. Since costs are a limiting factor in generating land cover maps, the latest remote sensing techniques are advantageous. In this study, we investigated the potential of combining Sentinel-2 and Worldview-2 data to classify eight land cover classes in a mangrove ecosystem in Iran with an area of 768 km2. The upscaling approach comprises (i) extraction of reflectance values from Worldview-2 images, (ii) segmentation based on spectral and spatial features, and (iii) wall-to-wall prediction of the land cover based on Sentinel-2 images. We used an upscaling approach to minimize the costs of commercial satellite images for collecting reference data and to focus on freely available satellite data for mapping land cover classes of mangrove ecosystems. The approach resulted in a 65.5% overall accuracy and a kappa coefficient of 0.63, and it produced the highest accuracies for deep water and closed mangrove canopy cover. Mapping accuracies improved with this approach, resulting in medium overall accuracy even though the user’s accuracy of some classes, such as tidal zone and shallow water, was low. Conservation and sustainable management in these ecosystems can be improved in the future.

Performance of an aerially applied liquid Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis formulation (strain AM65-52) against mosquitoes in mixed saltmarsh-mangrove systems and fine-scale mapping of mangrove canopy cover using affordable drone-based imagery.

In the Australian southeast, the saltmarsh mosquito Aedes vigilax (Skuse) is the focus of area-wide larviciding campaigns employing the biological agent Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis (Bti). Although generally effective, frequent inundating tides and considerable mangrove cover can make control challenging. Here, we describe the efficacy and persistence of an aqueous Bti suspension (potency: 1200 International Toxic Units; strain AM65-52) within a mixed saltmarsh-mangrove system and the use of affordable unmanned aerial systems (UAS) to identify and map problematic levels of mangrove canopy cover. High mangrove canopy density (>40% cover) reduced product deposition by 75.2% (0.01 ± 0.002 μL cm-2 versus 0.05 ± 0.006 μL cm-2 ), larval mortality by 27.7% (60.7 ± 4.1% versus 84.0 ± 2.4%), and ground level Bti concentrations by 32.03% (1144 ± 462.6 versus 1683 ± 447.8 spores mL-1 ) relative to open saltmarsh. Persistence of product post-application was found to be low (80.6% loss at 6 h) resulting in negligible additional losses to tidal inundation 24 h post-application. UAS surveys accurately identified areas of high mangrove cover using both standard and multispectral imagery, although derived index values for this vegetation class were only moderately correlated with ground measurements (R2 = 0.17-0.38) at their most informative scales. These findings highlight the complex operational challenges that affect coastal mosquito control in heterogeneous environments. The problem is exacerbated by continued mangrove transgression into saltmarsh habitat in the region. Emerging UAS technology can help operators optimize treatments by accurately identifying and mapping challenging canopy cover using both standard and multispectral imaging. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Study on mangrove canopy cover in Lembeh Island, North Sulawesi

The purpose of this study is to monitor the cover of mangrove forests on Lembeh Island, North Sulawesi, to support various protections. The method used to determine mangrove health uses the value of Normalized Different Vegetation Index (NDVI). NDVI value of mangrove forest cover in 2016 and 2019 using Landsat image 8. Mangrove health in Lembeh Island Seen more in 2016 and 2019. Percentage of mangrove forest cover based on Minister of Environment Decree No. 201 of 2004 concerning standard criteria and guidelines for determining mangrove health. The rate obtained based on the dense category increased from 65% in 2016 to 67% in 2019, while mangrove in the group spares decreased from 13% percent in 2016 to 10% in 2019.

Phosphorus and suspended matter retention in mangroves affected by shrimp farm effluents in NE Brazil.

This study compares two mangroves with different land uses in the Jaguaribe River estuary, harboring large shrimp farms, and in the more pristine Pacotí River estuary. Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) was used to compare the overall health of the forests. Measures of suspended matter (TSS), total (TP), particulate (PartP) and soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) in the inflow and outflow waters of tidal channels draining the mangroves were performed during tidal cycles. NDVI varied from 0.65 in the Jaguaribe estuary to 0.85 in the Pacotí, suggesting the impact of shrimp farm effluents on mangrove canopy cover. The shrimp farm influenced site showed 10 times larger absolute ∑P (TP + PartP + SRP) = 1.2-5.2 kg.hr-1) flux than the pristine site (∑P = 0.22 kg.hr-1). Tidal balances showed smaller retentions of the total influx: 28-54%; 44-45%; 38-65% and 8-53% for TSS; TP; SRP; and PartP respectively, in the shrimp farm influenced site to over 93% of the total tidal input of TSS and all P fractions in the pristine mangrove. This suggests that mangrove phosphorus accumulation is decreased in the forest with lower NDVI and limits mangrove's potential as a natural barrier to the nutrient transport to adjacent estuarine and coastal waters.