Multi-Temporal Analysis and Determination of Mangrove Cover in the Coastal Region of Ecuador

With growing global populations, demand for protein and more specifically seafood is expected to increase. As wild fisheries already face over-exploitation, aquaculture offers one solution to help meet growing demand while maintaining wild stocks and supporting healthy ocean ecosystems. However, in some cases, aquaculture can result habitat destruction, water pollution, the spread of diseases to wild populations, and a lower quality product. This project seeks to characterize the change in coastal mangrove habitat in Ecuador during a 23-year period (1999-2021) resulting from ongoing shrimp farming. The study will identify areas of mangrove gains and losses and propose potential regions for mangrove conservation.