MAPS MATTER FOR MARINE AQUACULTURE

Geographic Information System (GIS) technology is being increasingly used for aquaculture site selection. These tools allow users to view, overlay and analyze a variety of spatial data for aquaculture decision-making. Desktop GIS has been relied upon by resource management and planning agencies but because of the relatively high cost and steep learning curve required to master the technology, it is often of little value to the general public. Web-based mapping applications are typically free and designed to be more user-friendly. Additionally the burden of handling, processing and updating spatial data is on the provider rather than the user, allow the public to access accurate and updated information on the Web.

The Aquaculture Mapping Atlas is one example of a free, web-based mapping application built for aquaculture site selection. The Atlas provides a number of basemap layers including street maps, satellite imagery, topography, bathymetry, and navigational charts. Other "feature" map layers can be overlaid on the base map. These include commercial and recreational harvest areas, aquaculture gear areas, and a variety of other environmental data.  One of the key features of the Atlas is that provides the ability for aquaculture producers to develop spatial data in addition to allowing them to produce maps for the aquaculture application process. The Atlas is used by local, state and federal managers for the coastal permit review process to assess potential conflicts with proposed aquaculture sites.