Aquaculture Habitat Suitability Assessment in Gazipur District, Bangladesh Using Geo-Spatial Technology

Suitable site selection is a key factor for any aquaculture operation planning. This study assesses habitat suitability of beel (depression), floodplain and pond using integrated habitat suitability index approach to produce geo-referenced habitat requirement information about the fish of different Upazilas (sub-districts) of Gazipur district, Bangladesh. This study has found that the degree or magnitude of habitat suitability in respect of habitat productivity varies with (i) habitat condition including habitat type, spawning ground, water depth and soil pH; and (ii) food availability including phytoplankton availability and pollution proximity to agricultural and industrial pollutants. The beels are highly suitable for aquaculture in Gazipur Sadar, Kaliakair and Kapasia, whereas floodplains are similarly suitable in Kaliganj. The floodplains however have lowest suitability in Gazipur Sadar and Kapasia. Ponds have lowest suitability in Kaliakair and Kaliganj but has opposite in Sreepur where the suitability for beel is the lowest. The present study has further found that habitat characteristics are moderately correlated with habitat suitability at 95% significant level.