EVALUATING THE RISK OF EUTROPHICATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE DAMAGE AT PROTECTED AND EXPOSED FINFISH PRODUCTION SITES USING A GEOSPATIAL MODEL

Marine finfish farmers are increasingly looking to more exposed environments due to the saturation of traditional lease areas, policies or user conflicts restricting availability to near shore sites, and the potential for improved production in offshore environments. As the desire to utilize these offshore areas increases, improved tools to evaluate and select sites are needed. Using GIS technology and remotely sensed or modeled data, the risk of nutrient eutrophication, risk of damage to farm infrastructure, and exposure level (severity of oceanographic conditions) are evaluated for the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico and the Pacific coast of Central America.

Bathymetry, ocean currents, wave height, hurricane frequency, and chlorophyll-α data were inputted into a geospatial model. The outputs show which areas are most suitable for production from a nutrient loading perspective, and ease of operation perspective. Sites are also qualified as suitable for submerged pens only or surface or submerged pens. An example of one output is shown in figure 1.