Classification of areas suitable for fish farming using geotechnology and multi-criteria analysis

Abstract

This study proposed a method for identifying areas appropriate for fish farming in ground-excavated ponds using data obtained from public institutions. The method was applied to three cities located in the central-southern region of Paraná State, Brazil. In order to select appropriate areas, a geographic information system (GIS) was created using data from a digital elevation model (DEM), as well as data on soil occupation and type. A variable reclassification model (VRM) was created, and the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method was applied to establish weights for a multi-criteria assessment of the factors. Non-classifiable areas and areas with constraints were identified and removed from the analysis. The sites classified as highly suitable or suitable represented 33.270.79 ha (18.71% of the total area), while the restricted areas represented 54,427.91 ha (30.60% of the total area). This method may represent a useful tool for decision making in the context of regional planning and may be used in the establishment of public policy and in the allocation of resources for aquaculture development.