THE APPLICATION OF GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION-SYSTEMS TO SITE SELECTIONFOR COASTAL AQUACULTURE - AN EXAMPLE BASED ON SALMONID CAGE CULTURE

The potential of a simple, PC-based geographical information system (G IS) for site selection in coastal aquaculture was assessed using as an example a salmonid cage culture development in Camas Bruaich Ruaidhe, Oban, Argyll, Scotland. Data on bathymetry, current, shelter and wate r quality variations were used to determine the suitability of the sit e. The GIS results suggested that a total of 1.26 ha (6.4% of the tota l area) was suitable for cage culture. A general methodology for syste matic spatial analysis for aquaculture is proposed, although this need s to be varied according to circumstances in a site-specific way.