01-05 December 2025
INCOIS, Hyderabad, India.
| Abstract Submission No. | ABS-02-0146 |
| Title of Abstract | Vulnerability of Coastal Mangrove Ecosystems to Environmental Stressors: A Case Study of Manus Island, Papua New Guinea |
| Authors | Adithya Chandra P. B.*, Sreenath K. R., Ratheesh Kumar R., Shelton P. |
| Organisation | ICAR⿿Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute |
| Address | PUNNAKKAL HOUSE PERINJANAM PO THRISSUR, Kerala, India Pincode: 680686 E-mail: ADICHANDRA2255@GMAIL.COM |
| Country | India |
| Presentation | Poster |
| Abstract | The responses of mangroves to local oceanographic conditions, especially in remote regions, remain poorly understood. This study focuses on Manus Island, located north of Australia in Papua New Guinea, where local upwelling may influence mangrove health. Using NASA⿿s MODIS satellite data processed with Google Earth Engine, we analyzed the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) to assess mangrove greenness and vitality from 2007 to 2020. We also examined key climate variables, including temperature, rainfall, and soil moisture, to identify drivers of observed changes. Our results reveal a significant increase in mangrove greenness over the 14-year period (R2⿿0.75, p<0.01), with the area of change measuring 1.51 km2. Notably, warmer temperatures correlate with enhanced mangrove growth, suggesting that regional warming may have a positive effect on these ecosystems. In contrast, precipitation and soil moisture showed minimal influence, likely due to tidal dominance in water supply. While direct measurements of ocean currents and upwelling were not conducted, the sustained greening trend indicates a degree of resilience, potentially supported by oceanographic conditions mitigating terrestrial climate impacts. Importantly, no widespread declines in mangrove health were detected, indicating relative ecosystem stability. This work provides a critical baseline for future integrated research essential for developing effective conservation strategies under ongoing climate change |
| Are you part of IIOE-2 endorsed project | no |
| Keywords | Keywords : Coastal Mangrove Ecosystems, Papua New Guinea, MODIS satellite data, Google Earth Engine, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) |
| For Awards | no |