Hyperspectral remote sensing and analysis of intertidal zones - A contribution to monitor coastal biodiversity

This report deals with the use of hyperspectral remote sensing methods in rocky intertidal areas. These methods were evaluated in a pilot study analyzing hyperspectral imagery from the rocky intertidal of Helgoland. The paper discusses the potential of hyperspectral image analysis for monitoring elements of coastal diversity apparent in this area and discusses the potential and limitations of the method. This is especially relevant for application-oriented monitoring of protected areas and for coastal zone management. The discussed issues also contribute to monitoring works within European programs such as the Water Framework Directive or the Natura 2000 network. The results show that a classification based on a spectral library allows a mapping of the dominant intertidal macrophyte vegetation and general intertidal structures. Limitations remain for separation of mixed vegetation types which cannot be identified without ancillary data sources. One major potential for future use of these methods is their efficiency for high-resolution geospatial data acquisition. The integration of remote sensing techniques in GIS-based automated monitoring systems will help to combine different levels of resolution as well as different data sources needed to detect significant changes in structural and compositional coastal biodiversity. The success of this approach also depends on the selection of the best suitable imaging sensor and an appropriate analysis approach which fits the specific needs in the areas of investigation.