The value of remote sensing techniques in supporting effective extrapolation across multiple marine spatial scales

Abstract

The reporting of ecological phenomena and environmental status routinely required point observations, collected with traditional sampling approaches to be extrapolated to larger reporting scales. This process encompasses difficulties that can quickly entrain significant errors. Remote sensing techniques offer insights and exceptional spatial coverage for observing the marine environment. This review provides guidance on (i) the structures and discontinuities inherent within the extrapolative process, (ii) how to extrapolate effectively across multiple spatial scales, and (iii) remote sensing techniques and data sets that can facilitate this process. This evaluation illustrates that remote sensing techniques are a critical component in extrapolation and likely to underpin the production of high-quality assessments of ecological phenomena and the regional reporting of environmental status. Ultimately, is it hoped that this guidance will aid the production of robust and consistent extrapolations that also make full use of the techniques and data sets that expedite this process.

From Science to Evidence – How Biodiversity Indicators Can Be Used for Effective Marine Conservation Policy and Management

“…Risk-based approach to target intensive monitoring in order to answer specific and clear policy question (Elliott et al, 2018;Turrell, 2018). Use of earth observation and models to supplement in situ data (Elith et al, 2006;Butchart et al, 2010;Bean et al, 2017;Strong and Elliott, 2017;Pettorelli et al, 2018). Use of human impact (pressure) data where biodiversity monitoring data are unavailable (Halpern et al, 2012).…”

“…This will ensure that the data required to inform biodiversity indicators are collected in a cost efficient manner (Turrell, 2018). In cases where extensive monitoring data are needed but not practical to collect, the use of alternative data sources, such as Earth observation, rather than data solely collected via in situ monitoring, can facilitate regional biodiversity assessments (Bean et al, 2017;Strong and Elliott, 2017;Pettorelli et al, 2018). For example, models combining physical, geological and biological parameters are currently being used to evaluate the extent and distribution of benthic habitat types at regional scale (OSPAR, 2017b).…”

Remote Sensing of Kelp (Laminariales, Ochrophyta): Monitoring Tools and Implications for Wild Harvesting

“…Given that kelp habitats are relatively inaccessible, ground surveys are both logistically difficult and labour intensive. For this reason there is also a limit to the spatial extent that can be monitored effectively by traditional surveys (Zhi et al, 2014;Strong and Elliott, 2017) and it is likely that large areas of kelp in the subtidal routinely go undetected (Mac Monagail et al, 2017).…”

Insights into the Short-Term Tidal Variability of Multibeam Backscatter from Field Experiments on Different Seafloor Types

“…Due to the various sound-scattering properties of different seafloor substrates, BS can be used as a proxy aiding in the determination of bottom type at the water-sediment interface (e.g., [9,10]) and possibly the inference of some of its physical characteristics [11,12]. Mapping this interface over vast areas allows extending information from local observations (in situ ground-truth measurements) or transect-based information, that need interpolation/extrapolation [13], to the spatial continuum of the seafloor. This is valuable as an input to Marine Spatial Planning and Ecosystem Based Management and aids in the creation of efficient analytical, managerial and decision-making tools [14][15][16][17].…”