AUTHOR=Cavanaugh Kyle C. , Bell Tom , Costa Maycira , Eddy Norah E. , Gendall Lianna , Gleason Mary G. , Hessing-Lewis Margot , Martone Rebecca , McPherson Meredith , Pontier Ondine , Reshitnyk Luba , Beas-Luna Rodrigo , Carr Mark , Caselle Jennifer E. , Cavanaugh Katherine C. , Flores Miller Rebecca , Hamilton Sara , Heady Walter N. , Hirsh Heidi K. , Hohman Rietta , Lee Lynn Chi , Lorda Julio , Ray James , Reed Daniel C. , Saccomanno Vienna R. , Schroeder Sarah B. TITLE=A Review of the Opportunities and Challenges for Using Remote Sensing for Management of Surface-Canopy Forming Kelps JOURNAL=Frontiers in Marine Science VOLUME=8 YEAR=2021 URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/marine-science/articles/10.3389/fmars.2021.753531 DOI=10.3389/fmars.2021.753531 ISSN=2296-7745 ABSTRACT=

Surface-canopy forming kelps provide the foundation for ecosystems that are ecologically, culturally, and economically important. However, these kelp forests are naturally dynamic systems that are also threatened by a range of global and local pressures. As a result, there is a need for tools that enable managers to reliably track changes in their distribution, abundance, and health in a timely manner. Remote sensing data availability has increased dramatically in recent years and this data represents a valuable tool for monitoring surface-canopy forming kelps. However, the choice of remote sensing data and analytic approach must be properly matched to management objectives and tailored to the physical and biological characteristics of the region of interest. This review identifies remote sensing datasets and analyses best suited to address different management needs and environmental settings using case studies from the west coast of North America. We highlight the importance of integrating different datasets and approaches to facilitate comparisons across regions and promote coordination of management strategies.