GIS and Remote Sensing: The Technological Tools for Monitoring and Collecting Data on the Health of Ban Don Bay, a Large Watershed Area, Thailand

The research on oceanography and ecosystems in Bandon Bay, Surat Thani, has been conducted since 2018 by a research team from Walailak University, government researchers, and local authorities with the aim of monitoring water and sediment quality, fishing practices, oceanography, and land use in both agriculture and industry in surrounding areas. The research aimed to collect data and use the Geographic Information System (GIS) and Remote Sensing for the gathering and processing of marine information, such as water quality and ecosystems of Ban Don Bay. The results are taken from GIS and remote sensing and will be used for ocean mapping. Before implementing the project, the information on unsustainable and illegal fishing practices in Ban Don Bay was unknown. These technological tools are useful for the aquatic ecosystem prevention of the bay.

Besides, water quality monitoring and the extraction of spatial data in Ban Don Bay are effective in finding spawning habitats, nursery ground and the growth of marine animals. Thus, the advancement of GIS and remote sensing has made it possible to collect that data and understand all the conditions of Ban Don Bay.