Prospects for satellite imagery of insular features and surrounding marine habitats in the South China Sea |
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| Institution: | 1. Centro de Investigação Operacional, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, Bloco C6, Piso 4, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal;2. Faculdade de Engenharia da Universidade do Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, s/n 4200-465 Porto, Portugal;3. Instituto Português do Mar e da Atmosfera I.P./IPMA, Avenida 5 de Outubro, 8700-305 Olhão, Portugal;1. School of Management, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510520, PR China;2. Katz Graduate School of Business, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, United States;1. Small Island Research Station, Fares-Mathoda Island, Huvadhoo Atoll, Maldives;2. School of Environment, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, New Zealand |
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| Abstract: | This paper investigates the extent to which remote sensing data can contribute to the management of two parallel crises in the South China Sea (SCS); first the ongoing disputes related to islands and related maritime boundaries and second the degradation of the marine environment and the decrease in fish stocks. It demonstrates that remote sensing surveys are the only means to lawfully collect independent and verifiable geographic data on the disputed features without the need to consult all the claimants and thereby add to regional frictions and tensions. These surveys can contribute to the determination of whether these features are submerged or above water at high tide and what their physical characteristics are. This would inform the application of the Law of the Sea and help determine entitlements to maritime zones and thus access to resources. The other category of uses for remote sensing surveys which is explored is the identification and classification of marine habitats and the building of a biogeographic platform. This paper shows the limits created by unavoidable uncertainties in the interpretation of satellite imagery. However, many benefits outweigh the downsides: the potential for national and regional marine spatial planning, for the prioritization of marine environments in need of management, for the implementation by the States bordering the SCS of the international treaties which they have ratified and for ecological monitoring. |
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| Keywords: | South China Sea Remote sensing Satellite imagery Maritime dispute Marine habitat Marine spatial planning |
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