Cage culture site selection in the surrounding water of Qeshm Island (the northern Persian Gulf)

Abstract

Given the increasing demand for proteinaceous food products, aquaculture production of fish is on the rise. Due to its attractiveness, marine cage culture has gained attention in the aquaculture industry and has become profitable. This study focuses on the hydrodynamic variables to determine suitable areas for establishing fish cage sites in the waters surrounding Qeshm Island. Hydrodynamic variables were estimated through one-year numerical modeling using Mike 21. By applying the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and fuzzy logic to the variables, suitable areas in four sections were identified: east of Qeshm Channel, south of Hormuz Island - between Qeshm City and Larak Island - north of Larak, the coast from Ramchah to Hengam Island, and Dayerstan bay to Salakh. The results indicate that, in addition to the previously identified areas in similar studies, the northern part of Larak Island and the center of eastern Qeshm Channel are also suitable and could be options for expanding this industry in the future with the development of cage technology and infrastructure. Areas identified in previous studies, such as the coasts from Souza to Shibderaz and Dayerstan Bay, may face significant wave height threats in severe storm conditions. However, areas like Dargahan can be less risky regarding hydrodynamic conditions due to limited fetch exposure in weather conditions. It is beneficial to conduct studies on cage deployment for development and planning of the maritime economy. By incorporating water quality indicators alongside hydrodynamic variables, more accurate results can be obtained, thereby reducing investment risks in this industry.

Keywords

• marine cage culture
• ahp
• strait of hormuz
• fuzzy logic
• mike 21