NCCOS Assessment: An Aquaculture Opportunity Atlas for the U.S. Gulf of Mexico (NCEI Accession 0285913)

Shapefiles of the Aquaculture Opportunity Area (AOA) study developed during 2021 for the Gulf of Mexico. Included in this dataset are:
(1) Study areas in the Gulf of Mexico developed based on depth, jurisdictional boundaries, and Level III biogeographical breaks.
(2) Compiled observations of Harmful Algal Blooms (Karina brevis) from 2000 to 2018 in the Gulf of Mexico and eastern Florida.
(3) Suitability modeling results for the West, Central, East, and Southeast Gulf of Mexico study areas are presented as categories (“Unsuitable,” “Low,” “Moderate,” “High”) based on ocean use and conservation concerns, including: national security, natural and cultural resources, industry, navigation, transportation, aquaculture, and fishing.
(4) High-High clusters (HH) identified as the most suitable areas from LISA (Local Index of Spatial Association) analysis.
(5) Refined HH clusters that could accommodate at least one 500-acre AOA option.
(6) Highest ranking options for each of the refined HH clusters representing a 500- to 2000-acre area between 50 to 150 meters depth that has relatively high suitability for generalized marine aquaculture based on a within cluster model evaluating logistics, vessel traffic, commercial fishing, and oceanography data.
(7) Location and areal extent of options identified for each study region meeting a dispersion rule (greater than 30 nautical miles distance between locations).