Digital Shoreline Analysis System (DSAS) Assessment of Future Shoreline Position at Koluama II Settlement, Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study is aimed at utilizing the Digital Shoreline Analysis System (DSAS) to assess future shoreline position at Koluama II settlement, Bayelsa State, Nigeria, by the year 2040. The objectives of the study are to assess the expected extent of shoreline position at Koluama II settlement by the year 2040 and to evaluate the corresponding changes in land (both gained and loss) from 2020 to 2040. The study employed a quasi-experimental research design and utilized multiple spatio-temporal lands at satellite data set of 1990, 2000, 2010, and 2020. The Digital Shoreline Analysis System (DSAS) in ArcGIS 10.8.2 was used to forecast the future shoreline position, while land gained were determined through the measure analysis tool in ArcGIS 10.8.2. The results reveal that by 2040, erosion will move landward and at a rate of 7.9m/annum, whereas, land loss was computed to be 25ha of land from 2020 to 2040. This implies that land use such as farm lands, infrastructures and white beaches will be lost to erosion, and as such will bring about socio-economic challenges in the future. As part of its recommendations, the study encouraged the establishment of coastal zone for the region.