Establishment of an allocated zone for aquaculture (AZA) within the marine spatial planning in Monastir, Tunisia

Abstract

The aquaculture sector in the bay of Monastir has grown enormously since 2008 and represents the 46 % of the national production. In this thesis the aquaculture activities and the social, economic and environmental available information were used in order to contribute in the establishment of an Allocated Zones for Aquaculture (AZA) and its management plan for having a sustainable aquaculture development. The environmental data collected showed localised high concentrations of nutrients from the shoreline to the first 10 meters of depth. The environmental monitoring programme (EMP) showed high levels of suspended matters that should be reduced. The production carrying capacity have been estimated and compared to the capacity given. Most farms should review their capacity. The farms production was collected per area and compared to the production carrying capacity and most of the aquaculture facilities could produce over 55.6 – 68.9 % more. The degree of compatibility was estimated and the area of study was categorized as follows: discordant area (where information is not reliable and further analysis is required), moderately compatible area (farms can be located but with limitations) and compatible area (suitable zone for aquaculture). These areas were mapped using a Geographic Information System (GIS). The thesis permitted a first appraisal on the definition of AZA and the areas and topics necessary to be further investigate. The establishment of an Allocated Zone for aquaculture (AZA) in Monastir is still underway.