Publications

Berlanga-Robles, CA (2025). Trends in Mangrove Canopy and Cover in the Teacapan-Agua Brava Lagoon System (Marismas Nacionales) in Mexico: An Approach Using Open-Access Geospatial Data. WETLANDS, 45(1), 1.

Abstract
Mangroves face multiple threats with local, regional, and global consequences, including land cover and land use changes, overexploitation, and contamination. Understanding these changes is essential for conserving these ecosystems. Remote sensing provides detailed and long-term data and offers an invaluable advantage in such analyses. This study integrated a GIS with open-access geospatial data, Landsat 5 images, a MODIS vegetation index, and mangrove thematic maps to analyze change trends in mangrove canopy and cover in the Teacapan-Agua Brava Lagoon System in Mexico. The Mangrove Vegetation Index (MVI) allowed mangroves to be classified with an overall accuracy of 92% and a Kappa coefficient of 0.93. In 2005, mangrove cover was estimated to be 67,334 ha. The Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) time series from 2005 to 2022 revealed a generally positive trend in mangrove canopy (p < 0.0001). A Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and hierarchical clustering identified four distinct clusters with varying EVI profiles. Of the total mangrove area, 3% showed vulnerability and a negative trend, 29% exhibited no significant trend, and 58% showed resilience and a positive trend. The analysis of changes in mangrove cover using thematic maps from different sources indicated contrasting trends: some data indicated deforestation at an annual rate of -0.87%, while other data suggested reforestation at an annual rate of 0.49%. These findings underscore the complex and diverse trends in mangrove cover and canopy and highlight the need for continued research, standardized mapping, and consistent remote sensing approaches to conserve mangroves and safeguard their valuable ecosystem services.

DOI:
10.1007/s13157-024-01877-6

ISSN:
1943-6246