Bivalve Aquaculture Lease Site Selection using GIS and the Potential for Coastal Management in Rhode Island

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is an innovative mapping technology used around the world to identify boundaries of geographic features, infrastructure, and myriad uses across the landscape. Historically a land-based application, the use of GIS in coastal ecosystems is growing (Nath et al. 2000, Babcock et al.2005, Dempster and Sanchez-Jerez 2008). Coastal areas are heavily used for shipping, recreation, fishing, and aesthetic enjoyment which make these areas difficult to zone and susceptible to user conflict. Human dependence on coastal areas and competition for space will only continue to increase as industries dependent on coastal waters, such as aquaculture, become more profitable and expand (FAO 2007). Profitability depends on sustainability and GIS can be used to predict sustainability by identifying suitable sites that minimize user conflict (Nath et al. 2000, Babcock et al.2005, Dempster and Sanchez-Jerez 2008).