Extent change of protected mangrove forest and its relation to wave power exposure on Aldabra Atoll

A 21-year study of mangrove forests on Aldabra Atoll, Seychelles—a UNESCO World Heritage Site with no direct human pressures—revealed a net increase of 60 hectares (0.23% annually) in mangrove extent despite global declines. Researchers found that stable mangrove areas experienced significantly lower wave power exposure compared to regions where mangroves gained or lost coverage, identifying critical thresholds: 2.3 W/m for stability and 7.1 W/m for survival. Using Landsat imagery and fetch/wind data, the study highlights the vulnerability of coastal ecosystems to climate change pressures like sea level rise and storm surges, offering insights for global mangrove conservation and restoration planning.

Constance, A., Haverkamp, P. J., Bunbury, N., & Schaepman-Strub, G. (2021). Extent change of protected mangrove forest and its relation to wave power exposure on Aldabra Atoll. Global Ecology and Conservation, 27, e01564. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gecco.2021.e01564