Multiscalar land suitability assessment for aquaculture production in Uruguay |
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Authors: | Ismael Díaz Ana Laura Mello María Salhi Mónica Spinetti Martin Bessonart Marcel Achkar |
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Institution: | 1. Laboratorio de Desarrollo Sustentable y Gestión Ambiental del Territorio, Instituto de Ecología y Ciencias Ambientales, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay;2. Laboratorio de Recursos Naturales, Instituto de Ecología y Ciencias Ambientales, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay;3. Departamento de Acuicultura y Aguas Continentales, Dirección Nacional de Recursos Acuáticos‐MGAP, Montevideo, Uruguay;4. Estación Experimental de Investigaciones Marinas y Acuicultura, Dirección Nacional de Recursos Acuáticos‐MGAP, Cabo Polonio, Rocha, Uruguay |
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Abstract: | This article presents a highly detailed territorial assessment for aquaculture production in Uruguay and a methodology to identify the most suitable areas in order to develop the activity. Furthermore, it proposes the basis to generate a dynamic modelling tool of high spatial resolution to support the decision‐making process regarding national aquaculture activities. The modelling structure of aquaculture suitability was developed by the construction of a hierarchical model, combining a multicriteria assessment and a geographic information system. Forty‐one attributes were integrated in six aptitude models: one model for each one of the five common production systems intended to be the most viable in Uruguay and a sixth aptitude indicator that summarizes those five systems, representing the maximum suitability for aquaculture activities. In addition, the hierarchical model allows measurement and identification of relative weights of each model, according to the planning scale, ranging from basin to cell. |
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Keywords: | aquaculture
MCA
AHP
GIS
land suitability land planning |
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