An Integrated Field Survey and Remote Sensing Approach for Marine Habitat Mapping Along Hurghada Coast, Red Sea, Egypt

The present study was carried out to integrate remote sensing techniques with field data to assess and detect the surface and subsurface conditions and their effects on the marine habitats as well as building an institutional capability for accurate classification, monitoring, and assessment of coastal area activities. A field trip was done during December 2018 to collect data about marine habitats along the Hurghada coast, Red Sea. The spectral signatures for the different marine habitats were carried out by using an instrument of SVC Spectroradiometer Field selecting spots. The satellite images analyses and collection of field observations and samples were done to measuring the integration between them.
According to the present results, Hurghada shoreline is stable with no areas of natural erosion/accretions detected along the coast, but the processes of landfilling and dredging, in order to widen and extend the beaches to accommodate touristic expansion, were observed. Also, the anthropogenic activities had a significant negative influence on the water quality and the ecological conditions of the nearshore areas of Hurghada city. The coastal area of the National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries (NIOF), Hurghada branch, is one of the most diverse marine habitats along the Red Sea. The main habitat in this area is the coral reef being interrupted by patches of sand and seagrass meadows. Astoundingly, the results of the spectral signature profiles investigation in the study area corresponded greatly to the field survey and habitat mapping by Geographical Information System (GIS) technique. Results of both the measurements of spectral reflectance and the field trip along the study site revealed the presence of four bottom types, four seagrasses species, four seaweeds, and sixteen species of coral reef.
The present study recommends carrying out further studies to establish a spectral library for the bottom benthos and different marine habitats along the Red Sea. Also, the criteria and standards governing the capture, storage, and usage of spectral reflectance libraries should be settled to assess the coral reef environment from airborne or satellite imagery.