Unveiling the coral reef landscape: A multi-approach exploration using MBES, remote sensing, and sea surface temperature to map coral habitats / Batrisyia Che Azani ... [et al.]

In the present climate, coral reefs are facing serious threats. Thus, preservation actions must be taken seriously. With the goal to map coral habitats, this thesis investigates a multi-approach methodology that combines sea surface temperature (SST) analysis, remote sensing imaging, and high-resolution Multibeam Echosounder (MBES) data. There are three objectives for this study; to extract information from MBES data and satellite image analysis, to determine the correlation between sea surface temperatures and coral habitat, and to generate coral habitat map. The study area chosen is Redang Island. It is located about 45km north-northeast of Kuala Terengganu, the capital state of Terengganu. For the first goal, MBES will produce detail bathymetric maps of reef terrain to provide information on the seabed. Then, using remote sensing imagery, several pre-processing methods such as atmospheric correction, cloud/land masking and spectral analysis will be done to identify and classify the types of coral reef. SST data will also be integrated as to see whether the shifts in temperature could affect distribution pattern of coral. Mapping the habitat of coral reefs is an important tool for sustainable development, which supports economic growth, environmental preservation, adaptation to climate change, and community empowerment. It guarantees a healthy future for our oceans and the communities that depend on them, while also helping to achieve several SDGs.