Geographical Information Systems (GIS) in fisheries

GIS as a management tool

Monitoring and analyses of spatio-temporal factors such as variations in resources distribution, abundance, recruitment, regulatory zoning, deterioration of marine ecosystems, the siting of mariculture facilities pose major operational and management challenges to fisheries. And as has been shown in other fields where spatially related problems occur, Geographical Information Systems (GIS), combined with other analytical tools and models, could allow for improved spatial monitoring and analyses and, eventually, better and more effective management practices.

GIS are basically integrated computer based systems which allow the input of digital geo-referenced data to produce maps plus other textual, graphical and tabular output. The essential usefulness of GIS however, lies in its ability to manipulate data in a large number of ways and to perform various analytical functions so as to produce outputs that could contribute to a faster and more efficient decision making process in fisheries.

Importance of data

As with many computer-based systems, the key to GIS success lies in the acquisition of suitable data. The various means by which both primary and secondary data can be located, gathered, accessed and stored are described. Data acquisition methods vary from simple surveys, questionnaires and counts through to the access of secondary digital databases, via online networking capabilities. Once data has been acquired it is only useful to a GIS when it has been formatted, processed or structured in a way which the system will understand. The various ways of doing this are introduced. GIS can function in an almost limitless variety of configurations of hard and software. The basic elements of these are described, as are examples of some of the software packages.

Before a GIS is implemented into a fisheries management programme, there are two major areas for consideration. The first concerns the potential that GIS might have as a management aid and the second targets on how best to implement a fisheries resource GIS, along with how to ensure that sufficient guidance and support can be obtained to assure its continued success. Case studies covering a range of fisheries and GIS-related are beginning to emerge.