Reduction in marine fish production in the last two decades has adversely affected the fishermen population along the coasts who solely depend on fishing for their livelihood. One option to tide over this situation is regional level planning to increase fish production from available water resources. Therefore, it is essential to have an integrated spatial planning of the available water resources as it has multiple uses. Marine spatial planning (MSP) and aquaculture zoning, the two major concepts implemented by international bodies, are still in its infancy in India due to, lack of information on its systematic implementation. Present paper describes the pioneering attempt of “Spatial planning” and “aquaculture zoning” in India, conducted in a progressive fishermen village, Tharapathi in Byndoor along Southeastern Arabian sea coast, following scientific methodologies. Through GIS mapping, potential aquaculture areas were identified for cage farming, bivalve farming, crab fattening/crab culture in pens in mangrove area, bottom culture of clams in sandy area, prawn farming areas, areas for seed production and nursery facility for finishes and shellfishes etc. Various advanced GIS based decision making tools available for future integrated aquaculture development plans, spatial mapping and Digital Elevation Models were included in this study. This is the first attempt to develop integrated aquaculture development through social consensus and scientific evaluation. Results of the study will be a precursor for spatial planning and aquaculture zoning in Indian coastal waters for sustainable aquaculture.

Spatial planning, aquaculture zoning, finfish cage culture, integrated multi-trophic aquaculture