Developing High Resolution Baseline Coast Resource Maps Using World View 2 Imagery for a Coastal Village in Fiji

In Fiji, like most Pacific Island countries, there have been numerous reports of degradation of coastal resources. In order to develop effective management plans, base referencing of quality data on site and distribution of... [ view full abstract ]

In Fiji, like most Pacific Island countries, there have been numerous reports of degradation of coastal resources. In order to develop effective management plans, base referencing of quality data on site and distribution of the coastal resources is pertinent. Using high resolution satellite imagery in combination with GIS for baseline mapping and monitoring of coastal resources provides a baseline tool for developing effective and improved management plans.

The purpose of this study was to develop a baseline map of the intertidal benthic cover in Komave village, Coral Coast, Sigatoka, Fiji. Resource mapping was based on high resolution WorldView2 generated image. Ground-truthing was attained by means of on-site data logging of the intertidal resources, image capturing and GPS recording. Based on these records, the benthic cover was classified into seven classes, 'coral', 'algae', 'brown algae', 'volcanic rocks', 'sand  and gravel', 'seagrass' and 'bare'. Ground referencing points were used for supervised classifications as well as accuracy assessment. A series of village consultations were also conducted to assimilate information on fishing sites and coastal land use activities. 

The coastal resource map generated through this study serves as a baseline for monitoring the status and spatial distribution of the coastal resources in Komave. Annual mapping of the resources and enrichment of maps will enable the determination of the degree of influence from climate change and anthropogenic sources. This high resolution map is particularly relevant to Fiji as it is the first of its kind and provides a great tool for monitoring and evaluation.