Ecological Dynamics and Human Impact Assessment of a Small Mangrove Forest in the Northern Persian Gulf: A Multidimensional Approach Using Satellite-derived, Drone- based, and Field-measured Data

Abstract The ecological dynamics of Mangroves of Dayyer City (MDC) in the northern Persian Gulf were assessed. This study employs satellite-based data, drone-based photography, and field measurements/observations to assess changes in mangrove areas, investigate human-made structures affecting the MDC. Satellite imagery from Google Earth, spanning from 2011 to 2022, reveals fluctuations in the MDC area, with notable afforestation efforts until 2018, followed by rapid degradation. The mangrove forest, initially covering ~ 2.2 ha in 2011, expanded to 3.2 ha by 2015 due to mangrove planting efforts. However, subsequent years witnessed a decline, with the area diminishing to 1.7 ha by June 2022. Human-made structures, specifically a nonstandard road and its relevant bridge construction in 2018, are identified as the main potential cause of mangrove degradation by obstructing freshwater flow from upper areas. Drone-based observations conducted on March 2023, provided a detailed map revealing that ~ 44% of healthy mangroves are damaged. However, field measurements performed on November 2023, revealed higher salinity levels at MDC stations than at other adjacent mangrove areas (Nayband and Melgonzeh). The principal component analysis (PCA) showed that the first two principal components explained a significant portion (99.7%) of the variability in the environmental data. Specifically, the first principal component represented variations in water temperature, accounting for 93.2% of the observed environmental variability. On the other hand, the second principal component was associated with salinity and dissolved oxygen concentrations, explaining 6.5% of the observed variability. This multidimensional approach enhances our understanding of the complex interactions influencing mangrove ecosystems.