Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
Department of Geography and Urban Planning, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran
Abstract
Coral reef and seagrass ecosystems are an essential component in marine ecosystems, the full value and spatial distribution of which is fundamental to sustainable management. This study is primarily focused on the economic valuation of marine ecosystem services (coral reefs and seagrass) in Iranian territorial waters in the Persian Gulf. To this end, coral reef and seagrass habitat areas within the political boundaries of the Persian Gulf in Iran were extracted and classified by province, city, and island using the Allen Coral Atlas remote sensing product within the Google Earth Engine platform based on habitat-specific remote sensing classification. These two habitats were then economically assessed using Robert Costanza's ecosystem service valuation model. The results indicate that Iran encompasses 6018.63 hectares of coral reefs and 2054.01 hectares of seagrass, corresponding to $2 billion and $59 million in economic value, respectively. The province of Hormozgan, Bandar Lengeh city, and Qeshm Island had the largest share of coral reef areas, corresponding to 4251.11, 2288.95, and 515.26 hectares and respective economic values of $1.497 billion, $806 million, and $181 million. Hormozgan Province, Konarak City, and Larak Island, on the other hand, showed the largest area of seagrass beds, equal to 958.81, 951.43, and 47.72 hectares, respectively. The economic value of seagrass in these areas has been estimated at $27 million, $27 million, and $1 million, respectively.These results highlight the significant ecological and economic importance of coral reef and seagrass ecosystems in supporting coastal sustainability in the Persian Gulf. Furthermore, the findings can support marine spatial planning, ecosystem conservation strategies, and policy-making in Iran’s coastal and marine management.
Keywords
)