Application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in Mapping Fish Species Distribution and Taxonomic Data

Abstract

By handling several geographical components simultaneously, GIS is a technology that may be used to clarify problems and find solutions. For the past 15 years, aquaculture research has evaluated the suitability of coastal areas for farming operations using GIS. Aquaculture management issues including habitat availability, the many uses of estuarine waters, and research on how water quality affects the production of finfish and shellfish may all be studied using GIS. Additionally, GIS has been utilized to address frequent issues between aquaculture operations and marine duck habitats. FAO developed the website GIS Fish, which offers access to global information on remote sensing, mapping, and geographic information systems (GIS) as they pertain to aquaculture and inland fisheries. The US Fish and Wildlife Service, the US Geological Survey, and other federal and state organizations utilize GIS to help in conservation efforts. GIS is used in many aquatic scientific fields, including as oceanography, marine biology, stream ecology, aquatic botany, limnology, and hydrology. Applications include using satellite imagery to identify, monitor, and lessen habitat damage. The state of inaccessible locations can also be depicted through imagery. Scientists can monitor movements and devise a plan to identify areas of concern. GIS may be used to monitor population shifts, endangered species, and invasive species. Much research on wetlands has been conducted with an emphasis on their management and conservation features, with encouraging outcomes.