Bathymetry Derivatives and Habitat Data from Hyperspectral Imagery Establish a High-Resolution Baseline for Managing the Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia

A high-resolution geomorphic layer for the Ningaloo Reef, Australia’s longest fringing reef, has been established using airborne hyperspectral imagery. This innovative approach combines bathymetry derivatives and benthic cover data to classify reef topography into 18 classes, revealing shallow lagoons and deeper channels critical for water circulation. The study identified five distinct coral-algal mosaic classes across different topographic settings in three focus areas: the Muiron Islands, Point Maud, and Gnaraloo Bay. This classification serves as a baseline for ecological field surveys, monitoring programs, and assessing reef resilience against current and future threats. The method leverages non-invasive optical sensors, providing a powerful tool for managing this protected World Heritage Site.

Kobryn, H. T., Beckley, L. E., & Wouters, K. (2022). Bathymetry Derivatives and Habitat Data from Hyperspectral Imagery Establish a High-Resolution Baseline for Managing the Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia. Remote Sensing, 14(8), 1827. https://doi.org/10.3390/rs14081827