GIS-based suitable site selection using habitat suitability index for oyster farms in Geoje-Hansan Bay, Korea

When operating oyster farms, the major factor that influences sustainable productivity is the suitable site selection. In the present study, site selection was performed for oyster farms in Geoje-Hansan Bay, one of the largest oyster farms in Korea, by applying Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) to the Geological Information System (GIS). We also applied HSI which had no consideration for weights in order to exclude subjective judgment or non-feasible hypotheses. Main factors were grouped into three sub-models (the growth of oysters, the survival of oysters, and the surrounding environment of farms). The HSI ranged from 0.0 to 0.7 in Geoje-Hansan Bay and the oyster farms (6.0 km2) could be rearranged in zones (7.5 km2) with the highest 0.6–0.7 HSI, indicating that the area offers the optimal conditions for oyster farming. Our results showed a high correlation between HSI and the productivity of oyster farms. This could be a scientific basis to decide the efficient measures for fishery management.

► We applied Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) which has no consideration for weights.
► GIS-based HSI model offers an effective method of site selection.
► Our results showed a high correlation between HSI and the productivity of oyster farms.
► This study can be the scientific basis for establishing the fishery management policy.