Analisis Dinamika Perubahan Tutupan Mangrove di Kabupaten Langkat, Provinsi Sumatera Utara Tahun 2004-2023

Abstract

Mangrove forests have crucial ecological functions in mitigating coastal disasters, such as abrasion and tsunamis, as well as providing important habitat for various species of fish and marine life. However, mangrove forests have been converted to other land uses, resulting in the loss of these functions. The purpose of this study was to analyze the dynamics of mangrove cover change and evaluate the use of Modular Mangrove Recognition Index (MMRI) for the period 2004 – 2023 in the coastal area of Langkat Regency, North Sumatra. Land cover analysis was conducted using the Random Forest (RF) guided classification method. Satellite images used in this study are Landsat 5 TM images for the period 2004 and 2008, while in 2013, 2018, and 2023 using Landsat 8 OLI images. The results showed a decrease in mangrove forest area in the period 2004 to 2013, from 30,800.78 ha to 12,189.4 ha. Mangrove cover increased from 2013 to 2023 from 12,189.4 ha to 20,218.4 ha in 2023. However, the overall area of mangrove forests in Langkat Regency decreased by 10,582.38 ha from an area of 30,800.78 ha in 2004 to 20,218.4 ha in 2023.