Monitoring spatial and temporal seaweeds variation using remote sensing data in Al-Shoaiba coast, Red Sea.

Abstract

Aims: Spatial variability and temporal dynamics of benthic seaweeds using the field investigation and Landsat Thematic Mapper images Place and Duration of Study: Al - Shoaiba area, Saudi Arabia, Red Sea was investigated and the study area was divided into four sites extending about 10 km . The study period extended seasonally from summer 2011 to spring 2012. Methodology: The assessment of seaweeds abundance and distribution were performed using quadrate method . Methodology includes analyses of the Enhanced Landsat Thematic Mapper ( ETM+ ) images. Results: A total of 46 seaw eed taxa were collected from Al - Shoaiba region belonging to three different algal phyla to extend on reef flat to hundreds of yards to open sea. The field observations showed the broad macroalgal groups as optically mixture. The main confusion was distinguished between macroalgal groups. The contribution of seaweeds