i. Evaluate the suitability of readily available LandSat data in monitoring the impact of crude oil spills on vegetation and tracking recovery of cleaned up sites.
ii. Carry out a comparative analysis of the efficiency of identifying mangrove forest species from different remote sensing images (medium/high spatial resolution, and possible integration of radar data to overcome issues with passive sensors).
iii. Undertake mangrove forest mapping and a temporal analysis of the study area over a 30-year period (1984 – 2014) with a view to analyse the trend in mangrove extents over this period.
iv. Investigate the most suitable combination of remotely sensed data for accurately evaluating mangrove dynamics such as species composition, structure, productivity and biomass.
v. Develop a comprehensive mangrove vulnerability model for the study area to aid sustainable management of the ecosystem.
vi. Evaluate the environmental and socio-economic implications of mangrove depletion.