Three-dimensional hydrodynamic models coupled with GIS-based neuro-fuzzy classification for assessing environmental vulnerability of marine cage aquaculture

• Main Author: Navas, Juan Moreno
• Other Authors: Ross, Lindsay, School of Natural Sciences, Aquaculture
• Format: Doctoral or Postdoctoral Thesis
• Language: English
• Published: University of Stirling 2010
• Subjects: Geographic Information Systems; neuro-fuzzy classification; environmental vulnerability; Hydrodynamic model; particle-tracking model; Marine cage aquaculture; Salmon aquaculture; separability indexes; Spatial decision support systems; Fjordic system; Region of restricted exchange; Aquaculture site selection; GIS; Neuro-fuzzy Systems; Mariculture; Computational biology; Atlantic salmon
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/1893/2580; http://dspace.stir.ac.uk/bitstream/1893/2580/1/Thesis%20Juan%20Moreno%20Navas.pdf

There is considerable opportunity to develop new modelling techniques within a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) framework for the development of sustainable marine cage culture. However, the spatial data sets are often uncertain and incomplete, therefore new spatial models employing “soft computing” methods such as fuzzy logic may be more suitable. The aim of this study is to develop a model using Neuro-fuzzy techniques in a 3D GIS (Arc View 3.2) to predict coastal environmental vulnerability for Atlantic salmon cage aquaculture. A 3D hydrodynamic model (3DMOHID) coupled to a particle-tracking model is applied to study the circulation patterns, dispersion processes and residence time in Mulroy Bay, Co. Donegal Ireland, an Irish fjard (shallow fjordic system), an area of restricted exchange, geometrically complicated with important aquaculture activities. The hydrodynamic model was calibrated and validated by comparison with sea surface and water flow measurements. The model provided spatial and temporal information on circulation, renewal time, helping to determine the influence of winds on circulation patterns and in particular the assessment of the hydrographic conditions with a strong influence on the management of fish cage culture. The particle-tracking model was used to study the transport and flushing processes. Instantaneous massive releases of particles from key boxes are modelled to analyse the ocean-fjord exchange characteristics and, by emulating discharge from finfish cages, to show the behaviour of waste in terms of water circulation and water exchange. In this study the results from the hydrodynamic model have been incorporated into GIS to provide an easy-to-use graphical user interface for 2D (maps), 3D and temporal visualization (animations), for interrogation of results. v Data on the physical environment and aquaculture suitability were derived from a 3- dimensional hydrodynamic model and GIS for incorporation into the final model framework and included mean and maximum current velocities, ...