XI. GIS AND AQUACULTURE SITE SELECTION

Presented by

A. A. Arara & O. Dreza
Bironi Remote Sensing Centre

1. INTRODUCTION

A Geographical Information System (GIS) is a computer-based approach to the storage, manipulation, analysis, and output of geographic information. The main objective of GIS work for LIBFISH is to allow easy storage and treatment of data collected during the execution of Project activities, with an initial concentration on selection of suitable sites for aquaculture development.

Organising such a GIS requires a great deal of effort and participation of many other institutions and departments. The data collection and accumulation phase is the most difficult and time-consuming period in the establishment of any GIS, and requires an efficient data collection system. To justify their high cost, GIS activities should be extended to other applications such as development planning of the coastal zone and environmental studies.

2. PROPOSAL FOR THE ORGANISATION OF A GIS

The working group has proposed the general structure of the LIBFISH GIS for preliminary aquaculture site selection purposes. Data pertaining to particular sites should be collected from many sources are then stored on tables. Relations should then be established between the tables for further analysis and processing (Figure IX/1).

A few forms have already been filled out using data from known sites (see examples, Attachment XI/1). The purpose of this pilot work is to test the forms and to modify them as necessary. At the same time the forms are being distributed to various Project and MBRC experts for review and comment. When the forms are finalised, a data collection group should be formed to carry on with the work. After the data are entered into the computer, analysis can proceed on the basis of site selection requirements.

3. CONCLUSION

In brief, data collection and organisation is an essential task for a GIS setup. A database should be organised as soon as possible in order to facilitate aquaculture site selection work. Whilst a GIS may not be an absolute requirement for such work, it is a suitable first application point and should prove easy to build upon, so that it becomes part of a wider GIS programme integrating a variety of activities and purposes.

Figure XI/1

Attachment XI/1.

Example Data Collection Forms:
Libyan Aquaculture Site Database
(Nov–Dec. 1994)