A review on applications of geographic information system (GIS) in fisheries and aquatic resources

Abstract

GIS is a technology that can be applied to clarify issues, leading to solutions by treating several spatial components simultaneously. GIS has been used in aquaculture studies for the past 15 years to evaluate the suitability of coastal areas for farming activities. Aquaculture management issues such as the multiple uses of estuarine waters, studies relating to the impact of water quality on finfish and shellfish aquaculture, and habitat availability can be studied using GIS. Generally encountered issues between aquaculture operations and marine waterfowl habitats have also been addressed using GIS. FAO has established a web-based portal, GIS Fish, which can obtain the global experience on Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Remote Sensing and Mapping as applied to Aquaculture and Inland Fisheries. Several studies have been implemented on wetlands by giving importance to its conservation and management aspects, and positive results were obtained.