Strategic planning for optimal development of aquaculture in coastal areas of Qeshm Island

The economic growth of aquaculture and the dependence of a large growing population on coastal resources have led to coastal degradation and reduced resources. In this paper while realizing the potential capacities of the island systems,  the aquaculture activities of the island are specially discussed  in the framework of Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM). Therefore, in this study, firstly, the internal strategic factors (strengths and weaknesses) and external factors (opportunities and threats) of the environment were identified. Thereafter, Analytic Network Process (ANP) and Super Decision Software in SWOT matrix were used to evaluate and prioritize these factors, as well as to develop several proposed strategies. Using a designed network model, the proposed strategies were weighted and the main strategies of the evaluation matrix were ranked. In this study, the Qeshm Island as the largest island in the Persian Gulf was identified as the study area. The results showed that the most efficient strategies to optimal development of aquaculture use of coastal areas of Qeshm Island are using objectives, policies, and plans of aquaculture and aquatic hunting to build and strengthen sustainable aquaculture in the region, build and strengthen comprehensive aquaculture plans for conservation of natural marine resources in the framework of ICZM, create and develop infrastructure facilities and aquaculture infrastructure in order to create optimum use of the lands, allocate adequate funding to achieve conservation programs and user development of aquaculture and environmental protection involved in (ST) strategies.