Mangrove community boundary interpretation and detection of areal changes on Marco Island, Florida: application of digital image processing and remote sensing techniques

Mangrove communities of coastal south Florida provide multiple benefits to both terrestrial and estuarine ecosystems. Export of mangrove leaf material into estuarine ecosystems forms the basis of the marine food web. Mangroves have become prime land for coastal development projects, and extensive areas have been destroyed. Presently, there are no accurate maps of Floridian mangrove communities. Given the increased population projections for south Florida, there is a need to determine the areal extent of mangrove communities. Information of this type is necessary for land-use planners and resource managers to make decisions and formulate policy statements regarding mangrove communities.