Multi-criteria land suitability spatial model (MLSM) for expanding sustainable aquaculture based on resource characteristics and policies

Abstract

Unplanned aquaculture led to the destruction of important ecosystems worldwide. A multi-criteria land suitability model (MLSM) was developed to locate the suitable regions for aquaculture using satellite images, AHP and Monte Carlo simulation, spatial analysis, resource characteristics, and regulations. Twenty-one variables within four subgroups (land use, water quality, soil characteristics, and infrastructure support) have been integrated for the site suitability. Land availability was the major limiting factor. The area available for aquaculture was 4310 ha in Ramanathapuram District, which consists of 33.3% of most appropriate, 23.1% of appropriate, and 43.6% of moderately appropriate regions. The carrying capacity of rivers indicated that all rivers had sufficient nutrient assimilation capacity, except the Kottagudi River, where the aquaculture planning is to be within the carrying capacity of the river. The sensitivity analysis confirmed that integrated MLSM and carrying capacity approach could be adopted to identify suitable zones to develop aquaculture and save productive ecosystems.