Estimating Mangrove Above Ground Biomass Using LiDAR Remote Sensing Without Field Data A Case Study of Lac Bay, Bonaire

Abstract

Above Ground Biomass (AGB) is a crucial indicator for mangrove health, and can be used to measure the growth of a forest. AGB is often measured using allometric calculations that allow for non-destructive biomass mapping. These allometric calculation require detailed tree characteristics like height and diameter at breast height (DBH). These measurements are often costly and difficult to collect given the interwoven structure of a mangrove forest. Light Detection And Ranging (LiDAR) can be a useful tool to potentially eliminate the need for field data collection. In this study I present a methodology for quantifying AGB of the Lac Bay mangrove forest on Bonaire to find the AGB without any prior field work. The provided methodology was tested on the Lac Bay, but is applicable for any mangrove forest. This would enable small island states to use this methodology and find data on their mangrove forests. This allows these states to report on their progress towards the sustainable development goals (SDGs), in particular SDG 6 (Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all) and 15 (Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss). The results of this study estimate a AGB content of 2131,07 Tonnes, and a biomass density of 12,52 t ha-1. This value is much lower than other mangrove studies due to the on average short and thin mangroves in the Lac Bay. While the results of this study are valuable for examining mangrove forest characteristics, I recommend some field work for future studies that would enable better validation of the provided methodology.