Remote Sensing of Coastal Vegetation Phenology in a Cold Temperate Intertidal System: Implications for Classification of Coastal Habitats

Intertidal vegetation provides important ecological functions, such as food and shelter for wildlife services with increased coastline protection from erosion. In cold temperate subarctic environments, the short growing season has a significant impact on phenological response of different types, which must be considered their mapping using satellite remote sensing technologies. This study focuses effect phenology in intertidal ecosystems outputs. The studied sites were dominated by eelgrass (Zostera marina L.), saltmarsh cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora), creeping saltbush (Atriplex prostrata), macroalgae (Ascophyllum nodosum, Fucus vesiculosus) attached to scattered boulders. situ data collected ten occasions May through October 2019 included biophysical properties (e.g., leaf area index) hyperspectral reflectance spectra (Rrs(λ)). results indicate that even when substantial growth is observed, variation Rrs(λ) not at beginning season, limiting spectral separability multispectral imagery. between types was maximum (early June) had reached its growth. Seasonal time series normalized difference index (NDVI) values derived sensors (Sentinel-2 instrument (MSI) PlanetScope) validated situ-derived NDVI. can monitored if number observations obtained low tide sufficient, helps discriminate plant species and, therefore, vegetation. optimal period September area.