The present study evaluated the changes in the mangrove vegetation cover within the Navachiste-San Ignacio-Macapule lagoon complex, located in the State of Sinaloa, Mexico (25°17',25°40'N, and 108°25',109°01'W) by using Landsat MSS and TM imagery from 1973, 1986, 1992 (MSS), and 2000 (TM). Thematic maps were developed showing the presence of the mangrove vegetation cover around the Navachiste-San Ignacio-Macapule lagoon complex from each date, and a final thematic map was obtained showing the changes in mangrove vegetation cover from 1973 to 2000. To evaluate the local uses of the mangrove forest, and the perception about the status of mangrove forest cover, 54 interviews were conducted among the local villagers on four of the seven fishery grounds present on the study area. Results indicated that overall Laguncularia racemosa (common local name: mangle rojo) is the most frequently used species in this region of the Mexican pacific coast, being employed for firewood, construction (roof terrace/ceiling), walls and fences. Avicennia germinans (mangle cenizo or prieto) is used for tea, Rhizophora mangle (mangle chirigote) is used for tanning, and both are used for medicine. However results obtained from both analysis showed mixed results. Whereas remotely sensed data showed an increase ( 47% ) in mangrove forest cover from 1973 to 2000, the interviews conducted showed that according to the perception of the local fishermen the mangrove vegetation cover is decreasing. These findings are discussed in relation to both socio-economic issues and also the use of remote sensing as a tool. |
