A global inventory of coral reef stressors based on satellite observed nighttime lights |
| |
| Authors: | C Aubrecht C D Elvidge T Longcore C Rich J Safran A E Strong |
| |
| Institution: | 1. Austrian Research Centers GmbH – ARC, Systems Research , Vienna, Austria christoph.aubrecht@arcs.ac.at;3. National Oceanic &4. Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Geophysical Data Center (NGDC) , Boulder, CO, USA;5. The Urban Wildlands Group , Los Angeles, CA, USA;6. University of Southern California Center for Sustainable Cities , Los Angeles, CA, USA;7. The Urban Wildlands Group , Los Angeles, CA, USA;8. ESRI , Redlands, CA, USA;9. NOAA, Coral Reef Watch , Silver Spring, MD, USA |
| |
| Abstract: | In this article, we present a satellite-based approach to gather information about the threat to coral reefs worldwide. Three chosen reef stressors – development, gas flaring and heavily lit fishing boat activity – are analysed using nighttime lights data derived from the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) produced at the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration, National Geophysical Data Center (NOAA/NGDC). Nighttime lights represent a direct threat to coral reef ecosystems and are an excellent proxy measure for associated human-caused stressors. A lights proximity index (LPI) is calculated, measuring the distance of coral reef sites to each of the stressors and incorporating the stressor's intensity. Colourized maps visualize the results on a global scale. Area rankings clarify the effects of artificial night lighting on coral reefs on a regional scale. The results should be very useful for reef managers and for state administrations to implement coral reef conservation projects and for the scientific world to conduct further research. |
| |
| Keywords: | coral reef stressors artificial night lighting DMSP lights proximity index |
|
|
