Mapping of the spatial distribution of benthic habitats in the Gulf of Batabanó using Landsat-7 images

• DOI: 10.7773/cm.v34i2.1293
• Publication Date: 2017-08-09T23:52:41Z
• Authors: S Cerdeira-Estrada; S Lorenzo-Sánchez; A Areces-Mallea; C Martínez-Bayón
• Keywords: Thematic Mapper; Benthic Habitat; Thematic map

The spatial distribution of benthic habitats in the Gulf Batabanó obtained by remote sensing, using five images from Landsat-7 Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus (ETM+) satellite sensor, is reported for first time. map covers a total underwater area 21,305 km2 and presented at 1:250,000 scale. Five were identified within this located supervised classification technique: medium- to high-density seagrass, low-density sand with scarce vegetation, mud rock. Seagrass 64.85% (13,818 km2) area, while 35.15% (7,487 corresponds remaining or without vegetation. Both vegetation (seagrass macro seaweed) substratum types considered. Results confirmed situ measurements three research cruises between 2003 2005. This represents an important characterization Cuban platform waters order better understand these ecosystems, can be used future change detection analyses monitor health Batabanó.