Site selection of sturgeon farms using the AHP / GIS method in Khuzestan province

One of the most important concerns in fisheries management is finding suitable areas and zones to invest in aquaculture with a sustainable development approach. The use of GIS is one of the most important factors for success in aquaculture development.  Site selection of sturgeon breeding and farming locations was carried out using the facilities of GIS and data analysis was performed using fuzzy model, hierarchical analysis process and the fuzzy criteria AHP. The main criteria used in this study were ecological, climatic, natural and environmental, economic and social factors, barriers and limitations and sensitive habitats. Then, using the weighting method, a competency map was prepared and with considering the merit and applying the average of the merit value of each place, the priority of each place was determined. Combining this method with fuzzy logic and application in GIS environment and also taking into consideration the weight and relative importance of each feature and option, has increased the efficiency of this method. According to the results, the highest weight was awarded to ecological factors (0.321), the next ranks were awarded to climate (0.205), economic and social (0.179), natural (0.167) factors and barriers and restrictions (0.129), respectively. The most suitable areas for the development of sturgeon breeding and culture centers are located in the northern, northeastern and eastern regions of the Khuzestan province. The most unsuitable sites are located in the southern regions of the province.