Mangrove Research with ETIV do Brasil

Mangrove Monitoring

Mangue , Ava-Rae Korres, 03 Julho, 2023

Abstract:

Mangroves are biodiverse ecosystems with significant economic and environmental values. However, in recent years, these valuable habitats have experienced severe degradation, jeopardizing their ability to fulfill their important roles. This research utilized Google Earth imaging techniques to monitor the degradation of the mangrove in Itacaré over a 20-year period, confirming the observed diminishing trend. To accurately measure the extent of mangrove size decrease, future research should employ advanced technology in subsequent years.

Introduction/Background:

Mangroves, which are biodiverse and carbon-dense ecosystems, play a crucial role along coastlines. They consist of over 80 species that thrive in coastal tropical and subtropical areas with low-oxygen soil and sediment accumulation due to water movement (US Department of Commerce). Mangroves are considered keystone plant species as they provide habitat and support the thriving of numerous other species. These ecosystems hold multifaceted values, including environmental, economic, cultural, touristic, and recreational benefits. Mangroves are vital in the fight against climate change and can remove more than eight times the amount of CO2 compared to the Mata Atlântica. They also provide habitat for endangered species, contribute to shoreline stabilization, and act as storm buffers (Yancho, J. M. M.). Mangroves serve as traps and cycling systems for organic materials and nutrients, offer food and habitats for organisms, and serve as buffers against storms (What is a mangrove?).

From an economic standpoint, mangroves are significant entities, providing fuelwood, medicine, fiber, timber, and food. Furthermore, they act as natural filtration systems, improving the water quality along coastlines. Unfortunately, recent human activities have led to the degradation of mangrove ecosystems worldwide. Within the past few years alone, 35% of mangroves have disappeared (Yancho, J. M. M.).

Mangroves are unique plant species that have adapted to harsh conditions where other plants struggle to survive. They can tolerate water that is up to 100 times saltier than what most other plants can withstand. Despite being flooded twice daily by ocean tides, mangroves thrive. They filter out approximately 90% of the saltwater that enters their roots, and some species extract salt through their leaves. Additionally, mangroves store freshwater in their leaves, which are equipped with small hairs that reduce water loss by deflecting wind and sunlight (AMNH). However, these exceptional traits are insufficient to overcome the adverse effects of pollutants generated by large-scale industrial agriculture and aquaculture industries.

Mangroves rank among the most threatened ecosystems globally, requiring immediate action. Less than 50% of the world's mangroves remained intact by the end of the 20th century, and those that survive are in poor condition (AMNH). Industrial agriculture, aquaculture, and other polluting human activities are causing substantial destruction to mangroves worldwide. Itacaré, Bahia, faces similar challenges, including deforestation, urbanization, sewage, and the 2019 oil spill incident. Despite legal protection, mass urbanization continues, with two neighborhoods directly encroaching upon the mangrove. Urbanization leads to deforestation and increased pollution impacting both natural and man-made areas of Itacaré. As a result, sea levels are rising, leading to coastal flooding and jeopardizing the population living in the area (Ferreira, A. C., & Lacerda, L. D.).

The urbanization of Itacaré has also caused an increase in sewage, garbage, and oil in the mangrove and coastal areas, hindering the mangrove's ability to function as a filtration system. This pollution has led to the destruction of the mangrove and poses a risk of water contamination within the town. Furthermore, deforestation and mangrove destruction in Itacaré increase the risk of insect-borne infectious diseases due to changes in the environment and insect life cycles. Studies have shown a direct correlation between deforestation and increased incidence of diseases like malaria and dengue (Guimarães, R. M. et al., 2016).

Methods:

Using Google earth imaging techniques, screenshots of the Mangrove in Itacaré, Bahia (14°16'28.3"S 39°00'24.5"W) over the past 20 years in order to monitor the decreasing/diminishing mangroves were registered. Using these photos was possible to interpret the changing size patterns and to determine if the mangrove had indeed decreased in size over the years.

Results:

Discussion/Conclusion:

Based on the provided results, a pattern of decrease in the size of the mangrove in Itacaré has been determined, accompanied by an increase in urbanization . Although the imagery reveals the shrinking of the mangrove, the advancing Google Earth technology is producing clearer and sharper photos over time. However, due to the limitation of focusing on a specific region and a small section of land, the quality of the photos and the number of available images from Google Earth are restricted, making it challenging to visualize the degradation of the mangrove. Monitoring the mangroves in specific regions remains important, but it is difficult given the limitations of the current Google Earth technology.

Furthermore, the absence of consideration for tidal patterns during the image capture process affects the accurate portrayal of the mangrove's size using the Google Earth imagery technique. To obtain precise results, affordable technological advancements are still required to ensure accurate imagery. In the future, additional research should be conducted to monitor small portions of the mangroves in Bahia and other subtropical and tropical areas worldwide. This research should employ more advanced technology to capture time and tide-specific photos, enabling accurate analysis.

Preserving mangroves is crucial for environmental and economic progress in Brazil. The country houses more than 6.4% of the world's mangroves, covering over 89,932.0 hectares (Carvalho, R. C.). Mangroves have the potential to make a significant impact on combating climate change and reducing atmospheric CO2 levels. Protecting just one hectare of mangroves can reduce over a ton of atmospheric CO2, resulting in 25 times more fish, increased income, and a 50% decline in environmental impacts (Carvalho, R. C.). Coastal towns economically dependent on seafood sales greatly benefit from mangroves, as approximately 80% of all fish sold spend part of their lives in these ecosystems (Carvalho, R. C.). Enforcing existing laws and implementing mangrove planting initiatives can have a positive impact. However, bureaucratic obstacles and economic interests often hinder efficient mangrove conservation efforts (Ferreira, A. C., & Lacerda, L. D.). It is crucial for governments and communities in Brazil to prioritize the implementation of existing laws to prevent further environmental, social, and economic instabilities. Additionally, restoration efforts, such as planting mangroves, have shown promising results in Northeast Brazil (Ferreira, A. C., & Lacerda, L. D.).

The world is currently experiencing exponential climate change, resulting in the diminishing of mangroves and their multifaceted values. To continue benefiting from the economic and environmental value derived from mangroves, it is crucial to take immediate action and implement educational initiatives focused on sustainable industrial agriculture.

Works Cited

Carvalho, R. C., & Kikuchi, R. K. P. de. (2013, April 7). Reefbahia, an integrated GIS approach for Coral Reef Conservation in Bahia, Brazil - Journal of Coastal Conservation. SpringerLink. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11852-013-0243-6

Ferreira, A. C., & Lacerda, L. D. (n.d.). Degradation and conservation of Brazilian mangroves, status and ... Degradation and conservation of Brazilian mangroves, status and perspectives. http://guiase.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/171/2017/06/02115731/232.-Mangrove-conservaion-in-Brazil.pdf

Guimarães, R. M., Valente, B. C., Faria, P. A., Stephanelli, L. L., Chaiblich, J. V., & Arjona, F. B. S. (2016, April 1). Deforestation and malaria incidence in the legal Amazon region between 1996 and 2012. Cadernos Saúde Coletiva. https://www.scielo.br/j/cadsc/a/Bx5HtYQwQVyXyQjFRCvzdJq/?lang=en

US Department of Commerce, N. O. and A. A. (2009, June 3). What is a mangrove forest?. What is a “mangrove” forest? https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/mangroves.html#:~:text=Mangroves%20are%20a%20group%20of,allow%20fine%20sediments%20to%20accumulate.

What are mangroves? Coastal Protection and other benefits: AMNH. American Museum of Natural History. (n.d.). https://www.amnh.org/explore/videos/biodiversity/mangroves#:~:text=Many%20thousands%20of%20acres%20of,its%20way%20into%20water%20supplies.

What is a mangrove?. Florida Department of Environmental Protection. (n.d.). https://floridadep.gov/water/submerged-lands-environmental-resources-coordination/content/what-mangroveYancho, J. M. M., Jones, T. G., Gandhi, S. R., Ferster, C., Lin, A., & Glass, L. (2020, November 16). The Google Earth Engine Mangrove Mapping Methodology (GEEMMM). MDPI. https://www.mdpi.com/2072-4292/12/22/3758