Premium
Waterbody scale assessment using spatial models to identify suitable locations for cage aquaculture in large lake systems: A case study in Volta Lake, Ghana
Author(s) -
Asmah Ruby,
Falconer Lynne,
Telfer Trevor C.,
Karikari Anthony Y.,
Al Wahaibi Mohamed,
Xia Ivan Fan,
Handisyde Neil,
Quansah Karyn E.,
Amoah Daniel K.,
Alshihhi Jasim,
Ross Lindsay G.
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
aquaculture research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.646
H-Index - 89
eISSN - 1365-2109
pISSN - 1355-557X
DOI - 10.1111/are.15230
Subject(s) - aquaculture , scale (ratio) , geographic information system , fishery , resource (disambiguation) , bathymetry , environmental resource management , hydrography , habitat , water resource management , environmental science , fish <actinopterygii> , cartography , ecology , geography , biology , computer science , computer network
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 km 2 (1.7%), 406 km 2 (6.9%) and 407 km 2 (6.9%) of Volta Lake can be categorized as highly suitable for development of small, medium and large cages respectively. A further 634 km 2 (10.8%), 1264 km 2 (21.4%) and 1055 km 2 (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.