Applying GIS and the analytic hierarchy process on seafarming spatial assessments in the Magdalen Islands

The aquaculture industry continues growing worldwide. In the Magdalen Islands seafarming started in the 80 and experienced a significant growth in the last decade in terms of production and added value. According to integrated environmental management and planning, sustainable development in aquaculture can be ensured through a rigorous evaluation of the seafarming potential in the available areas. Appropriate farming sites choice is a key factor that may substantially affect the ecological and economical viability of an aquaculture project. Therefore, it is of great importance to develop an adequate space evaluation/allocation system. In the present study, we looked at suspended blue mussel and giant scallop farming, as well as giant scallop and softshell clam seeding activities in the Magdalen Islands. Site assessment was based on a geographical information system (GIS) coupled to an analytic hierarchy process (AHP). The GIS allowed precise site positioning, while AHP enabled qualitative and quantitative aspects to be included in the evaluation process. The combination of these two approaches appears to be an interesting aid in determining likely seafarming potential of available areas.