Spatial Analysis of Benthic and Geomorphic Habitat Distribution in the Shallow Waters of Pombo Island, Indonesia, using High Resolution PlanetScope Satellite Imagery

Authors

  • Ahmat Rifai Department of Environmental Science, School of Environmental Science, University of Indonesia, Indonesia
  • Halim Aquaculture Study Program, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science, Pattimura University, Indonesia
  • Muhamad F. M. Rahayaan Marine Science Study Program, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science, Pattimura University, Indonesia
  • Heinrich Rakuasa Department of Geography, Faculty of Geology and Geography, Tomsk State University
  • La Mbeli Rajani Department of Geography Education, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Pattimura University, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.69930/ajer.v2i2.392

Keywords:

Benthic habitats, planetscope, pombo island, random forest

Abstract

The benthic biodiversity-rich but degradation-prone coastal waters of Pombo Island, Maluku, were mapped using high-resolution PlanetScope (3m) satellite imagery and field data through a random forest approach. The results showed the dominance of inner reef flat (54%) and sand substrate (39.62%), with 22.31% coral cover, while geomorphological analysis revealed a strong correlation between sheltered reef slope (18.78%) and benthic habitat distribution (85% classification accuracy). These findings not only prove the effectiveness of remote sensing technology for tropical ecosystem monitoring but also recommend zoning-based conservation strategies, particularly reef crest protection and seagrass rehabilitation, as a contribution to sustainable environmental management in line with SDG targets.

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Published

2025-05-31

How to Cite

Rifai , A., Halim, Rahayaan , M. F. M., Rakuasa, H., & Rajani , L. M. (2025). Spatial Analysis of Benthic and Geomorphic Habitat Distribution in the Shallow Waters of Pombo Island, Indonesia, using High Resolution PlanetScope Satellite Imagery. Asian Journal of Environmental Research, 2(2), 136–144. https://doi.org/10.69930/ajer.v2i2.392

Issue

Vol. 2 No. 2 (2025): Available online

Section

Articles

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Copyright (c) 2025 Ahmat Rifai , Halim, Muhamad F. M. Rahayaan , Heinrich Rakuasa, Rizky A Laitupa , La Mbeli Rajani , Jossh Christheyn Etalakua

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