Satellite Imagery and In-situ Data Overlay Approach for Fishery Zonation

Abstract

Remote sensing technology is useful to give a better understanding about the earth ’s characteristics . SeaWiFS ( s ea-viewing w ide f ield-of-view s ensor ) is one of remote sensors used to observe global ocean phenomena. P revious studies showed that the distribution of chlorophyll-a in the ocean indicat es the presence of fish. However, only a few studies tried to directly relate the chlorophyll-a distribution obtained through interpretation of satellite imagery to in-sit u data of fish distribution. This paper investigates the relation between chlorophyll-a distribution and fish-captur ing points in Aceh P rovince sea waters using overlay image analysis . The results are useful to identify the potential fish ing ground in Aceh. The profile of chlorophyll-a concentration was derived from SeaWIFS satellite imagery and fish - captur ing points data was obtained from the fisherman communities of Banda Aceh, starting from June to November 2008. The results show that the chlorophyll-a profile derived from satellite imagery has a positive relationship to fish - captur ing point data. The most potential fish -capturing zone in Aceh sea waters is identified at 5-8o north latitude (N) and 96-99o east longitude (E).