title: Remote sensing of Qatar nearshore habitats with perspectives for coastal management.
abstract: A framework is proposed for utilizing remote sensing and ground-truthing field data to map benthic habitats in the State of Qatar, with potential application across the Arabian Gulf. Ideally the methodology can be applied to optimize the efficiency and effectiveness of mapping the nearshore environment to identify sensitive habitats, monitor for change, and assist in management decisions. The framework is applied to a case study for northeastern Qatar with a key focus on identifying high sensitivity coral habitat. The study helps confirm the presence of known coral and provides detail on a region in the area of interest where corals have not been previously mapped. Challenges for the remote sensing methodology associated with natural heterogeneity of the physical and biological environment are addressed. Recommendations on the application of this approach to coastal environmental risk assessment and management planning are discussed as well as future opportunities for improvement of the framework.
authors.affiliation: ExxonMobil Research Qatar, Qatar Science and Technology Park - Tech 2, PO Box 22500, Doha, Qatar. Electronic address: christopher.s.warren@exxonmobil.com.
authors.forename: Christopher
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Warren
authors.affiliation: ExxonMobil Research Qatar, Qatar Science and Technology Park - Tech 2, PO Box 22500, Doha, Qatar. Electronic address: jennifer.m.dupont@exxonmobil.com.
authors.forename: Jennifer
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Dupont
authors.affiliation: State of Qatar Ministry of Environment, PO Box 7634, Diplomatic Area, Doha, Qatar. Electronic address: mamoati@moe.gov.qa.
authors.forename: Mohamed
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Abdel-Moati
authors.affiliation: ExxonMobil Research Qatar, Qatar Science and Technology Park - Tech 2, PO Box 22500, Doha, Qatar. Electronic address: projet_maitrise@hotmail.com.
authors.forename: Sanaa
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hobeichi
authors.affiliation: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company, 22777 Springwoods Village Parkway, Spring, TX 77389, USA. Electronic address: david.a.palandro@exxonmobil.com.
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Palandro
authors.affiliation: Nova Southeastern University, National Coral Reef Institute, 8000 North Ocean Drive, Dania Beach, FL 33004, USA. Electronic address: purkis@nova.edu.
authors.forename: Sam
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Purkis
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D037421:Anthozoa / Q000254:growth & development*; D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources / Q000379:methods*; D017753:Ecosystem; D062305:Geographic Mapping; D006801:Humans; D019156:Indian Ocean; D011780:Qatar; D058998:Remote Sensing Technology; D018570:Risk Assessment
keywords: Coral; Habitat mapping; Qatar; Remote sensing