Issue link: https://resources.esri.ca/i/747333
Solution Clearwater selected Esri's ArcGIS 10 to study fish resources and population dynamics. This technology enables the company to overlay spatial and temporal fishing data including bathymetry, (the study of underwater depth and ocean floors), sediment types, survey data, harvest areas and benthic habitat to quickly identify potential growth areas. They can also factor in weather influences, species biology, lunar cycles and other relevant data to determine the most effective methods of harvesting resources. Esri's Spatial Analyst is also used to facilitate interpolation techniques. Leveraging this tool, complex surfaces can be analyzed to reveal patterns that may not be readily apparent in raw data. The density, magnitude and concentration of underwater harvest species can be measured at strategically dispersed sample locations and then extrapolated, to accurately predict values in other locations. This makes it significantly easier to uncover high concentrations of harvest species and take a more targeted approach to operations. Through access to a geodatabase of historical data, the company can identify trends based on what was accomplished in previous years, and plan fishing activities to maximize output. Historical data can also be analyzed to ensure that harvest species are not overfished, a critical objective of responsible fishing practices. Benefits Through a more strategic approach to vessel routing, Clearwater significantly reduced harvesting costs and has taken steps towards effectively reducing their carbon footprint. By equipping their fleet with sophisticated habitat imaging and vessel monitoring systems, the company has also been able to ensure that only targeted areas are fished. Access to a GIS-based database further supports targeted activities by enabling analysts to review historic data. Overlaying this historical information with survey data makes it easy to readily identify areas that have already been harvested, supporting the spatial management of resources. They can also leverage patterns in the data to model and predict where there is most likely to be an abundance of harvest species. As an environmental leader, Clearwater recognizes the importance of long-term sustainability and works toward ensuring that all harvesting activities help to promote a healthy ocean environment. GIS provides the company with a cost-effective tool to intersect diverse datasets so that they can better understand targeted resources and their connections with the broader ecosystem. As a result, the company is able to take an informed approach to harvesting that limits the impact of fishing activities and promotes sustainability both at sea and on land. Clearwater Seafoods achieves sustainable operations through GIS | Esri Canada 2 A footprint of clam harvest distribution along with survey positions. Historic data depicts the spatial distribution of lobster catch per trap along the southern coast of Nova Scotia. " GIS serves as the ideal platform to analyze, model and forecast outcomes so that we can significantly reduce the cost of harvesting. More importantly, it enables us to plan our activities in a broader context so that we can fulfill our core commitment to long-term sustainability." Jim Mosher Director of Harvest/ Science Management Clearwater Seafoods Limited