Spatial modeling of environmental vulnerability of marine finfish aquaculture using GIS-based neuro-fuzzy techniques

► Marine environmental vulnerability models, based on neuro-fuzzy techniques, highlighted localities particularly vulnerable to marine aquaculture development. ► A statistical comparison between modeled vulnerability scores and nitrogen concentrations in sediment associated with salmon cages showed good correlation. ► GIS could appropriately classify vulnerability of coastal regions and have a role in policy decisions for aquaculture site selection.