Cage cultivation has emerged as a sustainable and economically viable method for enhancing marine fish production while reducing pressure on traditional capture fisheries. Site selection plays a pivotal role in determining the success, productivity, and environmental sustainability of cage culture systems. This study focuses on identifying suitable sites for cage cultivation along the Andhra Pradesh coast, which extends over 974 km and possesses diverse marine and estuarine ecosystems. This region is also more prone to cyclonic event in the Bay of Bengal. The fish landing centres available in the regions is limited to less than 100 leading it to the increase in lead and transportation charges compared to other costal states.
Geospatial techniques were employed to analyze key environmental and socio-economic parameters. Criteria such as water depth, salinity, dissolved oxygen levels, chlorophyll concentration, current velocity, wave action, proximity to landing centers, and absence of conflict zones were considered. Multi-criteria decision support system (MCDSS) approaches, integrated with spatial datasets, were utilized to generate suitability maps for potential cage culture zones.
According to the study conducted by the CMFRI, there is 11,721 hectares of land suitable for cage cultivation. The delineated area is analysed for the proximity of fish landing centres and suitable proximity areas are given on this study. The results indicate that approximately 24% of the Andhra Pradesh coastal waters are highly suitable for cage cultivation, particularly in areas near Visakhapatnam, Kakinada, and Krishnapatnam, where optimal hydrological and logistical conditions prevail. The same locations are analysed for hydrodynamic impact assessment during the cyclonic events. Moderate suitability zones were identified in regions influenced by seasonal sedimentation and anthropogenic activity locations like Uppada regions in Kakinada. This study provides valuable proximity insights for aquaculture entrepreneurs and promoting environmentally responsible aquaculture practices along the Andhra Pradesh coastline.
Keywords: Cage Cultivation, Hydrodynamics, Proximity Analysis, GIS