UAV application for site suitability mangrove replantation program, case study in Pasuruan and Probolinggo, East Java

In the northern coast of East Java, mangrove naturally growth along the coastline of most regencies, and becomes the important factor in the sustainability of fisheries, protection and other environmental services for communities in coastal areas. The last few decades, satellite remote sensing becomes the most widely used tool for mangrove monitoring purpose. Various types of sensory satellite images are used for mapping areas, types and densities, estimating the mangrove biomass. Meanwhile, UAV (Unmaned Aerial Vehicle) is rapidly developed and quite affordable. Various footages and photogrammetry works carried out with the lightweight UAV. Therefore, utilizing UAVs for capturing mangrove areas can be an effective solution to identify area where rehabilitation should be conducted. The research aimed to use the consumer grade DJI Phantom 4 Pro for mapping 92,6 Ha mangrove area in Rejoso (Pasuruan) and 69,37 Ha of Sumberasih (Probolinggo). Result of this study shows the capability of UAV to provide detail mangrove image (canopy density, characteristics and environmental profile), which can be used to support the management activities, particularly mangrove replantation program. Also, it could be a low cost solution and time effective of mangrove monitoring, compared with previous approach of high-resolution satellite imagery.