Study on spatial distribution characteristics of marine habitat in the Beibu Gulf based on GIS and existing environmental and vegetation data

Abstract

Introduction: Marine habitat mapping serves as a critical tool for ecosystem-based management and scientific research. This study reviews the environmental characteristics of the Beibu Gulf and proposes a habitat classification system to support spatial ecological analysis and regional planning. Methods: A habitat classification system was developed that integrates biological zones, substrate types, and vegetation, based on multidisciplinary data sources—including bathymetry, optical remote sensing, geomorphology, and biological surveys—combined with GIS techniques to produce detailed habitat maps. Results: A total of 19 habitat types were identified, comprising 8 intertidal, 5 infralittoral, 5 circalittoral, and 1 deep circalittoral habitats. The most dominant habitats were deep circalittoral mud (55%), circalittoral mud (19%), and infralittoral mud (14%), while littoral mangroves, saltmarshes, and seagrass each accounted for less than 1%. Map confidence was generally moderate, with lower accuracy observed at the boundaries between biological zones, and higher confidence in the littoral zones. Discussion: These findings provide a comprehensive and detailed habitat basemap that supports marine monitoring, scientific research, ecological conservation, and regional planning. The study highlights the significant application potential of habitat mapping in coastal and marine management.