Mapping the lagoon at aldabra atoll, western Indian Ocean

Aldabra Atoll, renowned for its biodiversity and undisturbed status, has been the subject of a groundbreaking lagoon mapping study that reveals two dominant habitat types covering 68% of its lagoon area: 'sparse macroalgae and seagrass assemblage on sand' (35%) and 'dense macroalgal mat on sand' (33%). The research utilized advanced geospatial technologies, including satellite remote sensing and in situ ground-referencing over 3.5 weeks, to create the first detailed maps of benthic community character and bathymetry. These maps provide a baseline for monitoring future environmental changes, with lagoon floor elevations ranging from -0.2 to -30 meters, highlighting a predominantly shallow (<3 m) platform with deeper channels, particularly Grande Passe in the northwest.

Hamylton, S., Hagan, A., Bunbury, N., Fleischer-Dogley, F., & Spencer, T. (2019). Mapping the lagoon at aldabra atoll, western Indian Ocean. Apollo - University of Cambridge Repository. https://doi.org/10.17863/CAM.38477