Waterbody scale assessment using spatial models to identify suitable locations for cage aquaculture in large lake systems: A case study in Volta Lake, Ghana

Ruby Asmah,Neil Handisyde,Jasim Alshihhi,Karyn E Quansah,Lynne Falconer,Anthony Y Karikari,Mohamed Al Wahaibi,Ivan Fan Xia,Lindsay G Ross,Daniel K Amoah,Trevor C Telfer

doi:10.1111/are.15230

Ruby Asmah, Neil Handisyde + Show 9 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1111/are.15230

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Abstract

Large lakes throughout the world offer development opportunities for cage aquaculture. However, due to their vast area, identifying the most suitable locations can be a challenge. This is also complicated as lake systems are often multi-use environments, so a strategic approach to managing the resource is required. This study uses geographic information systems (GIS) to develop a broad-scale approach that identifies potential areas that may be suitable for cage aquaculture development. Volta Lake, one the world's largest man-made lakes, is used as a case study. The overall GIS model combines four sub-models, bathymetry, hydrography, water quality and access, and a constraints layer, to identify the most suitable locations for tilapia production. Three different cage sizes are modelled: small, medium and large. The model outputs suggest that approximately 102 km2 (1.7%), 406 km2 (6.9%) and 407 km2 (6.9%) of Volta Lake can be categorized as highly suitable for development of small, medium and large cages respectively. A further 634 km2 (10.8%), 1264 km2 (21.4%) and 1055 km2 (17.9%) can be categorized as suitable for the same. The results can be used by stakeholders and decision makers to identify specific areas where aquaculture development for cage farming of tilapia could be prioritized.

Highlights

As the global population continues to grow, one of the main challenges facing individuals, communities and nations is the need for healthy and nutritious food, while managing natural resources and minimizing impact on ecosystems and biodiversity (Godfray et al, 2010)
Many of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are related to food production and consumption, including No poverty (SDG1), Zero Hunger (SDG2), Good Health and Well-Being (SDG3) and Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG12) (UN, 2015)
Freshwater cage aquaculture in large lake and reservoir systems is recognized as a way of increasing fish production that would contribute to food security and help achieve the SDGs if carefully planned and managed (Cowx & Ogutu- Owhayo, 2019)

Summary

Introduction

As the global population continues to grow, one of the main challenges facing individuals, communities and nations is the need for healthy and nutritious food, while managing natural resources and minimizing impact on ecosystems and biodiversity (Godfray et al, 2010). In 2015, the United Nations (UN) Member States adopted the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a series of targets that should be achieved by 2030. SDGs, there is a need to identify opportunities to increase food production sustainably and develop strategic plans to maximize benefits and minimize negative impacts. Aquaculture is an important food production sector, and if planned and managed appropriately, it can provide safe and nutritious food as well as socio-economic benefits for local and national communities (Soto et al, 2008). Freshwater cage aquaculture in large lake and reservoir systems is recognized as a way of increasing fish production that would contribute to food security and help achieve the SDGs if carefully planned and managed (Cowx & Ogutu- Owhayo, 2019). Identification of suitable areas for production is a prerequisite of sustainable development

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