Advancing Seagrass Carbon Mapping
HDR Spotlight: Muhammad Hafizt
Hafizt in the field surveying seagrass
In a groundbreaking effort to map and monitor the types and amounts of seagrass carbon stocks across Indonesia, PhD student Muhammad Hafizt, a researcher at Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), is leveraging advanced satellite remote sensing and statistical approaches. His work aims to provide detailed insights into seagrass distribution and carbon content, crucial for blue carbon issues in Indonesia.
Hafizt's research focuses on using time-series Sentinel-2 satellite images and field training data to estimate seagrass structural dimensions such as percent cover, density, leaf area index, and above-ground biomass. These parameters are then used to predict above-ground carbon content across Indonesia's vast maritime area of 5.8 million square kilometres.
"I have been studying remote sensing for coastal ecosystems since 2007," Hafizt said. "My goal is to produce more impactful findings in coastal ecosystem studies, especially seagrass."
One of the significant challenges Hafizt has faced is the language barrier. Born and raised on an island far from the Indonesian capital of Jakarta, he did not realise the importance of English early on. However, the supportive community at the Earth Observation Research Centre (EORC) has helped him improve his academic English, allowing him to contribute significantly to the group.
"My biggest challenge is the language barrier," Hafizt admitted. "But the EORC community has been very supportive of my research and has helped me improve my academic English."
Hafizt's research has already produced promising results. He has compiled seagrass field data from across Indonesia, with a total of 6,747 field samples. Early findings indicate that Thalassia hemprichii is the most dominant seagrass species, followed by Enhalus acoroides and Cymodocea rotundata. The prediction of total above-ground biomass ranges from 3.8 to 286.45 grams per square meter, and above-ground carbon from 1.28 to 96.23 grams of carbon per square meter.
"I believe my research benefits Indonesia, especially since I previously managed the national benthic habitat map, including seagrass," Hafizt said. "These results will support blue carbon projects in Indonesia."
Looking ahead, Hafizt plans to complete his model and finalise national estimates of seagrass above-ground carbon. He also aims to collect more field data and adjust mapping areas based on regional seagrass characteristics and seasonal patterns.
"When you have decided to focus on a specific field of study, stay consistent and keep learning," Hafizt advised. "Build a personal digital library that you update and review regularly. Organise your field data because it is your foundation for future research."
Hafizt's dedication and innovative approach are paving the way for more accurate and comprehensive seagrass carbon mapping, contributing to the global understanding of blue carbon ecosystems.
Preview distribution of seagrass above ground carbon in Indonesia (PhD research progress) https://muhammadhafizt.users.earthengine.app/view/indonesia-seagrass
