Suitability evaluation on marine ranching in Guangdong, South China

The ecological suitability of marine resources and environmental conditions for marine ranching in Guangdong, South China was evaluated. Niche theory was used to establish an ecological suitability evaluation model for marine ranching site selection, and suitability evaluation of marine ranching was conducted in. Results show that the ecological suitability index of marine ranching site selection was greater than 64.0 in 20 sites, including offshore Shantou Bay, offshore Zhanjiang Port, and Longdou Bay etc., which are the priority areas for marine ranching. In other 13 sites, the ecological suitability index ranged between 8.0 and 32.0, including Houjiang Bay, Haimen Bay, and Jieshi Bay etc., indicating the suitability for marine ranching. However, the ecological suitability index was 0 in Shantou Bay, Zhujiang (Pearl) River estuary, Huangmao Sea, Guanghai Bay, Zhanjiang Port, Qiongzhou Strait, and Anpu Port. These sites are thus unsuitable for marine ranching. This study provides a theoretical basis for site selection and planning of marine ranching in Guangdong Province.