AquaSmart – Planning tool for sustainable aquaculture development
AquaSmart aims to apply a GIS tool for aquaculture planning to support sustainable aquaculture development in Penang aligning with the Penang 2030 Agenda on food security and environmental health.
OVERVIEW
The AquaSmart - Planning Tool for Sustainable Aquaculture Development project has been launched, supported by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) in collaboration with the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas) and the Centre for Marine and Coastal Studies (CEMACS) at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). This initiative aims to employ Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for effective aquaculture planning in Malaysia, particularly in Penang in the northwest region of the Peninsular Malaysia.
Aquaculture is vital for food supply and livelihoods but faces spatial conflicts due to the diverse uses of coastal areas, such as recreation, navigation, and conservation. The project seeks to address these challenges by finding optimal locations for aquaculture that meet environmental conditions for species growth and minimize conflicts with existing marine activities. This approach not only promotes efficient use of marine space but also supports co-location of aquaculture with other activities, enhancing cost-effectiveness.
The project is structured into two main work packages:
- Work Package 1 (WP1) focuses on:
- Reviewing the current aquaculture species, production systems, and their uses in Malaysia.
- Collating environmental data for the designated study areas.
- Organizing a scoping workshop with stakeholders from various sectors to discuss aquaculture interests and opportunities.
- Work Package 2 (WP2) involves:
- Identifying suitable areas for low-carbon-footprint and integrated multitrophic aquaculture (IMTA) using a GIS tool based on the environmental data and stakeholder input gathered in WP1.
- Uploading maps of identified areas to the CEMACS project website.
- Conducting a final workshop to present the identified areas and outline a sustainable aquaculture development roadmap for the region.
The AquaSmart project aligns with the UK's goal of influencing global standards through emerging technologies and supports Malaysia's 2030 Agenda to leverage such technologies for enhancing food security and environmental health. Through this collaborative effort, this research project aims to establish a framework for sustainable aquaculture development that can be replicated and scaled both nationally and internationally.
Institutions Involved:
PROJECT DELIVERABLES
- Stakeholder Workshop Reports
- Site Suitability Maps
- Key Findings & Recommendations
- Roadmap for Sustainable Aquaculture in Penang
Link to Deliverables: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/15ichJcOgafs991mFsQc4x7u9HTLn6tij?usp=sharing
| Disclaimer: The information provided by the AquaSmart project, including all geographic information system (GIS) outputs and maps, is for informational purposes only. The Centre for Marine and Coastal Studies (CEMACS), Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), and associated partners do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this data and shall not be liable for any errors, omissions, or inaccuracies. Users assume all responsibility for verifying the utility and reliability of this information in their decision-making processes. The project partners are not responsible for any losses, damages, or injuries resulting from the use or reliance on this information. This disclaimer applies to all outputs from the project. |
Contact person:
Prof. Dato’ Dr. Aileen Tan Shau Hwai –
Norhanis Razalli –
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