Mapping Mangroves in Trinidad and Tobago Using GIS and Remote Sensing Techniques

Abstract

This thesis provides a commentary on a collection of six publications which represent more than 18 years of scholarly work focused on the use of geospatial technologies for mangrove research in Trinidad and Tobago. Starting in 2006, while I worked as a Remote Sensing Officer at the Institute of Marine Affairs (IMA), this body of work reflects my sustained commitment to the use of geographic information systems (GIS) and remote sensing tools for mangrove conservation and management, particularly in the context of climate change and coastal development. This research evolved alongside major advancements in satellite imaging and GIS technology, culminating in a series of six peer-reviewed publications that make up this submission for a PhD by Publication. The studies outlined in this thesis incorporated data from a wide range of remote sensing sources including the Ikonos, Sentinel, and PlanetScope satellites as well as airborne imagery from crewed and uncrewed aircraft. An array of commercial and open-source geospatial tools were used to process and analyse the data, generating metrics on; baseline mangrove cover, mangrove forest change, mangrove species extent and distribution, and land use and land cover dynamics. Key outputs from the research include; the first comprehensive national mangrove baseline map for Trinidad and Tobago, a mangrove change assessment showing areas of significant mangrove loss and degradation, the first ever mangrove species distribution map in Trinidad and Tobago, and land use and land cover changes in the two largest mangrove forests. The work demonstrates how advanced geospatial tools can be leveraged to support data driven environmental policy and management. Notably, this research represents the first application of several high-resolution datasets and machine learning (ML)-based approaches within a national context in Trinidad and Tobago. It provides critical, policy-relevant data and information for decision makers. The study concludes by discussing how the outputs have contributed to the local and regional discourse on mangrove conservation and how it can act as a blueprint for technology-enabled mangrove monitoring. Key priority areas for future research regarding blue carbon mapping and mangrove resilience are also identified.

Date of Award	17 Dec 2025
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	University of Portsmouth
Supervisor	Ian Hendy (Supervisor) & Richard Teeuw (Supervisor)