A GIS‐based approach for delineating suitable areas for cage fish culture in a lake

Abstract We present a GIS‐based approach to the delineation of areas that have different levels suitability for use as tilapia cage culture sites Kenyan part Lake Victoria, Africa. The study area was 4,100 km 2 . method uses high‐resolution bathymetric data, newly collected water quality data from all major fishing grounds and sites, existing spatial information previous studies. parameters considered are depth, temperature, dissolved oxygen, chlorophyll‐ concentrations, distances lake shoreline proximity other constraints on development. results indicated most suitable fish cages comprised about 362 , or approximately 9% total area; remaining 91% (i.e., 3,737 ) found be unsuitable culture. conclude successful implementation this would need stakeholder involvement in validation approval potential incorporation zoning into planning policy regulations support sustainable while minimising resource conflicts. broader applicability whole African Great Lakes, any lakes world where already occurs may occur future.