Spatial and temporal dynamics of mangrove cover change in five estuaries along the North Coast of Central Java, Indonesia (2014-2024)

Abstract

Abstract. Candraningtyas CF, Hafiffah AS, Widowati D, Mardiyanto MB, Saputri AB, Setyawan AD. 2024. Spatial and temporal dynamics of mangrove cover change in five estuaries along the North Coast of Central Java, Indonesia (2014-2024). Intl J Bonorowo Wetlands 15: 40-48. Mangrove ecosystems are critical coastal habitats that provide essential ecological services, including shoreline protection, carbon sequestration, and biodiversity support, yet they are increasingly threatened by anthropogenic pressures. This study investigates spatial and temporal changes in mangrove cover from 2014 to 2024 across five estuaries along the north coast of Central Java, Indonesia—Sriwulan, Pemali, Comal, Bodri, and Cisanggarung—using Landsat 8 satellite imagery processed via Google Earth Engine and ArcGIS. Mangrove extents were manually digitized and classified into zones of loss, gain, and stability, with field surveys and photographic documentation employed for validation. Results revealed significant mangrove loss in Sriwulan (-47.03%), Cisanggarung (-50.00%), Comal (-11.31%), and Bodri (-1.59%), driven by land conversion for aquaculture and settlements, destructive fishing practices, and hydrological disruptions. In contrast, the Pemali Estuary exhibited a notable 79.83% increase in mangrove cover, primarily due to sediment accretion and community-led restoration efforts, especially silvofishery-based rehabilitation. The study demonstrates that integrating remote sensing with ground truthing is a robust approach for monitoring mangrove dynamics and identifying localized drivers of change. The contrasting trends across estuaries highlight the heterogeneity of coastal ecosystem responses and underscore the importance of site-specific management strategies. While some estuaries face continued degradation, others show promising signs of recovery, illustrating both the challenges and potential in mangrove conservation. These findings emphasize the urgent need for adaptive coastal management that incorporates ecological monitoring, sustainable land-use planning, and active community participation. As mangrove loss continues globally, this research provides important insights into effective restoration and protection strategies for tropical estuarine environments, offering a model for balancing development and conservation in similar socio-ecological settings across Southeast Asia.