The Aquaculture Explorer, an integrated geospatial platform, was designed to facilitate the development of the aquaculture sector in the s tate of Oregon. The authors developed the tool in partnership with Oregon State University, state agencies, and the aquaculture industry. The platform has t hree components: 1) a site selection portal with geographic and demographic information in a GIS setting ; 2) a financial planning tool that estimates costs and returns based on site select ion; and, 3) an estuarine planning tool to support shellfish regulation and permitting. The platform is designed to help aspiring farmers locate aquaculture farm sites with critical attributes regarding land, water , markets, and utilities. In addition to private producer use, r egulators and permitting agencies can use the tool to visualize protected habitat issues and multiple use conflicts .
The financial tools are designed to help investors evaluate business operations and adjust financial projections . The tool currently accommodates three species/systems models: striped bass in pond systems, tilapia in Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS), and sturgeon in RAS . Currently, the authors are at work on a model for a co-culture system with dulse seaweed and purple sea urchins, a s well as an aquaponics system model. Each model has unique bio-economics, drawing from significant background research and data on their diverse production attributes. After using the tool to select a site and a species , the user can then complete a farm profile the incudes production volumes, area of operation, and the costs associated with startup, operating, transportation, and financing. Users can toggle e ach variable to adjust assumptions and projections. The model provides financial performance for an average year as well as a ten- year projection.
The mapping tool provides 69 different data layers to assist in site evaluation . Users can include their distance from major markets, feed suppliers, and processing locations. T he mapping tool also provides data on wells and springs, water body data, protected habitat and resources, elevation, and sources of solar and geothermal energy, among others. The estuarine data layers can help shellfish growers evaluate estuary sites that are consistent with regulatory requirements. The Explorer generates summary site reports for growers to evaluate regulatory considerations.
The Aquaculture Explorer Platform is a unique approach to support aquaculture development. It is now being integrated in undergraduate and gra duate aquaculture classes to help train the state’s new aquaculturists. We expect the Oregon Aquaculture Explor er Platform will be a vital tool to facilitate development , provide a common language, and facilitate dialogue between public entities and private growers.