Mangrove Forest cover Changes (1972-2017) in Palghar District (Maharashtra) West Coast of India by Spatial Analysis

Abstract

Mangroves are key species of sea coast. To protect other flora and fauna of coast, protection, conservation and restoration of mangroves is necessary. In a view above aims and objective species wise mangroves distribution data required. Present study analyses spatial data to estimate changes in mangrove cover over a period of time and recent species wise mangroves distribution in a study area. Study found that about 32%, 19.7%,11.9% and 9.6% mangrove cover of study area estimated from 1972 ,1990,2013 and 2017 years satellite images respectively and about 70% (1838ha) mangrove cover lost within 45 years from 1972 to 2017. The study had an overall classification accuracy of 91.67% and Kappa coefficient (K) 0.89. Mangroves species (chlorophyll concentration) shows higher variation in reflection at NIR bands and possible to species wise detailed mapping and monitoring. Study area dominant with Avicennia marina mangrove species. Mangroves in study area distributed in small fragmented patches with low height and their surface reflection combines with mudflat, water and sand shows variation in spectral signature of same mangrove species at different locations.