Remote sensing data has been used by research studies to derive socioeconomic and energy-related variables. For instance, nighttime light satellite images provide potential possibilities to quantify such variables and its correlation with human activity [7] and poverty incidences [6]Remote sensing of environment and disaster laboratory

Institute of Industrial Science, the University of Tokyo, Japan

Effects of Damming on Seagrass Distribution
Near Mekong River Mouth
Xuan Truong TRINH, Wataru TAKEUCHI
Institute of Industrial Science, the University of Tokyo, Japan
Abstract:
Effects of damming on downstream environmental quality has long been an important subject ofstudy. This research proposes to investigate effects of damming along Mekong River on thedistribution of seagrass in the coastal area near the river mouth. In order to realize this research,
an interdisciplinary approach is proposed, involving a wide range of fields, ranging from biology toremote sensing. The results promise to reveal important insights into the relationship between
human activities in along river system and the coastal area near the river mouth, playing crucialrole in progressing towards achieving the SDG Goal 14: Life below Water and Goal 15: Life on Land.

3. Challenges

1. INTRODUCTION
Mekong River Delta is an important hotspot in all aspects including
economic, social, political and environmental issues. Recent concerns havebeen raised about damming activities upstream having adverse effects on
downstream environment. This research highlights effects of damming
activities on the coastal areas.
It is expected that damming leads to the retention of sediments, which inturns reduces the amount nutrients available near the river mouth. As aresult, coastal ecosystem is negatively affected.
To assess effects on the coastal areas, seagrass are chosen as an indicator
for coastal environmental quality. It is because seagrass is the foundation
for coastal ecosystem.

There are many challenges that this research is addressing. Firstly, therelationship between human activities upstream and coastal environmental
changes is difficult to investigate due to its complexity. Unravelling thedynamics amongst the vast number of factors having effects on coastal
environmental changes requires an interdisciplinary approach. This
research would require strong collaboration of scientists across many fields,to name a few, Remote Sensing, GIS, Biology, Marine Ecology, andHydrology. Secondly, there are difficulties in understand shallow water
environment, because of their rapid changes. Currently available datasets
and surveying methods may help to measure these changes moreaccurately. Moreover, improved hydrological models and solar radiation arepowerful tools to assist the analysis of coastal environment changes.

This research proposes to investigate the effects of damming activities onseagrass distribution.
In order to measure seagrass distribution, it is important to combine fieldsurveying and remote sensing data. Remote sensing is done by a
combination of optical and acoustic measurement.
Figure 1: (a) Map of the Mekong
Delta, (b) Diagram showing
existing and planned dams
along the Mekong Delta.
Adapted from Anthony et al.
(2015)

2. Proposed Framework
Framework

Dam
Agricultural activity

Rain
Run-off

Hydrologicalmodel
Water quality(nutrients)

Solar radiation
model

CoastalEnvironment
Changes

Irrigation

Industrial activity

Demographic changes
Mangroves

Seabedmapping

Coast line monitoring

Satellite Imagery

4. Significance
While bearing many challenges, the results of this research promise
important insights. Understanding the relationship between damming andcoastal biodiversity will prepare for investigations on biomass estimations,carbon sequestration, and biodiversity. These are important issues that theSustainable Development Goals are targeting. Specifically, Goal 14 and Goal
15 focus on the conservation and sustainable use of the resources on theland and the ocean. As the two environments are intricately related, it is
crucial to research into the relationship between the two. Results of thisresearch will be guidance for sustainable dam management.

5. References
Correlation

Biomass
estimation

Field sampling
Opticalmeasurement
Acoustic
measurement

Seagrass
distribution

Carbonsequestration
Biodiversity
mapping

Anthony, E. J., Brunier, G., Besset, M., Goichot, M., Dussouillez, P., &Nguyen, V. L. (2015). Linking rapid erosion of the Mekong River delta
to human activities. Scientific reports, 5.
Moffett, K. B., Nardin, W., Silvestri, S., Wang, C., & Temmerman, S. (2015).
Multiple stable states and catastrophic shifts in coastal wetlands:
Progress, challenges, and opportunities in validating theory using
remote sensing and other methods. Remote Sensing, 7(8), 1018410226.
Prathep, A., Marrs, R., & Norton, T. (2003). Spatial and temporal variations
in sediment accumulation in an algal turf and their impact on
associated fauna. Marine Biology, 142(2), 381-390.

For further details, contact: Xuan Truong Trinh, Bw-601, 6-1, Komaba 4-chome, Meguro, Tokyo 153-8505 JAPAN (URL: http://wtlab.iis.u-tokyo.ac.jp/ E-mail: truong@iis.u-tokyo.ac.jp)