Aquaculture Planning Research Articles

Aquaculture planning and coastal management in Tasmania

The development of a substantial marine aquaculture industry in the State of Tasmania, Australia, has led to considerable resource use conflict during the past decade. In response to this conflict the Tasmanian government has undertaken a number of planning exercises for popular waterways to accommodate future expansion of aquaculture. At the same time, the government has been developing a new system for integrated coastal management and is moving towards introducing a state-wide coastal policy as part of its resource management and planning reforms. This paper traces the development of aquaculture planning and coastal management in the State and addresses a number of issues in relation to the resulting institutional arrangements.

Remote Sensing of Sea Surface Temperatures for Aquaculture Planning in Northern Norway

A major limitation for salmon ( Salmo salar L.) farming in arctic environments is the low winter temperatures influencing the salmon's growth rates, mortality and quality. A detailed knowledge of the sea temperature variations in a region can help to avoid the establishment of fish farms in areas that are less suitable. In order to supply local fish farmers and planning authorities with such information, a satellite survey of sea surface temperatures in a late winter situation was conducted in northern Norway. Landsat Thematic Mapper data were calibrated with in situ measurements. The relationship between sea surface temperatures and other factors in the physical environment was visualized in a very comprehensive way. Temperature zones were found to be consistent with information in literature and of relevance to the fish farming industry. New, potentially suitable sites for fish farming could be indicated in many areas where no historical data were available. Key words: remote sensing, sea surface temperatures, aquaculture planning, northern Norway

A geographical information system for catfish farming development

In many countries farming of aquatic plants and animals contributes to national food supplies and exports. However, lack of knowledge of the locations and quantities of land and water most suitable for the expansion of aquafarming impedes development. This paper assesses the use of a Geographical Information System (GIS) to rapidly locate and inventory areas physiographically suitable for aquaculture development. A GIS combines computer hardware and software designed especially to digitally merge, analyze and report on diverse, georeferenced data sets. The GIS results are in the format of maps, graphics and textual data required for aquaculture planning. A GIS was created to identify and inventory areas of Franklin Parish, Louisiana, suitable for catfish ( Ictalurus punctatus) farming based on soil characteristics and susceptibility to flooding. As a test of the approach, the locations of existing catfish farms were compared with suitable locations as determined by the GIS. A good correspondence between the two was achieved.