About the project

PROJECT TITLE

Suitability assessment and database development for enhanced mussel culture management using geospatial technologies

RATIONALE OF THE PROJECT

Green mussel is considered as an important and inexpensive source of protein for people residing in the coastal areas (Nicholson, and Lam, 2005). Farming mussels require little capital investment yet there has not been a significant increase in the production in the last 10 years. This can be attributed to its low value, little market demand, poor sanitary quality, occurrence of red tides, and unpredictable supply.

To provide adequate response to the problem of low production in the mussel industry, it is important to utilize possible sites where both hydrographic and biophysical conditions favor mussel growth in the Philippines. The identification of suitable and potential areas for mussel culture could provide impetus for expansion of mussel culture leading to increased mussel production. The additional areas grown to mussels could lead to a more sustainable mussel industry which can help in addressing national issues like food security, livelihood and poverty alleviation.

With the advent of recent geospatial technologies such as GIS, remote sensing and GPS, quick and reliable information can be displayed visually for better management of aquaculture areas. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is a tool used in studying the spatial characteristics of the marine environment for an effective coastal management. The GIS capability to analyze such data could produce viable outputs such as suitability maps which could provide useful information in the management of mussel industry in the country.

OBJECTIVES

• Identify potential sites for mussel culture based on established criteria
• Development of web-based interactive mussel suitability map