Drone Imagery Analysis of Eelgrass in Moss Landing, CA

Abstract

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (a.k.a. Drones) is the cost-effective and replicable solution to analyze the overall health and the disease severity of the seagrass spatial extent. Different spectral bands give drones the ability to penetrate through the water and record the seagrass up close. Through object-based image analysis (segmentation), classification, and estimation, eelgrass health is given a quantitative value. Knowledge of this information ahead of time will inform others responsible for the eelgrass to take the appropriate, timely action to not just combat the onset of the disease but to protect its surrounding ecosystems.