MANAGEMENT OF AQUACULTURE SITE SELECTION VIA REGIONAL HABITAT CLASSIFICATION
Jon Grant, Dept. of Oceanography, Dalhousie University
This project seeks to expand the application of mapping and GIS into the process of aquaculture site evaluation by taking a regional perspective on culture siting rather than a purely local view. Specifically, we ask: how does 'zooming in' from a larger perspective compare to starting at the local level; how good is the regional scale at predicting the local scale; how can such an ecosystem-based approach streamline the site evaluation process? We will:
· Plan sampling programs for hypothetical sites within two bays/estuaries of Guysborough County, NS with Habitat Management partners, and undertake field sampling as specified (local approach). · Conduct a detailed spatial survey of pelagic and benthic variables using towed vehicle sensors and echosounding in the two bays/estuaries. · Construct habitat maps of the above variables with GIS modelling, and statistically define habitat boundaries (regional approach). · Utilize regional data to characterize local culture sites and compare information content of regional and local approaches, including costs and sufficiency to satisfy regulatory requirements. · Assess potential for incorporation of regional approach into developing DFO policy on culture site assessment.
For exciting photos of the summer field program, go here.
For more details on this research, go here.
