Conclusion

The nature of this analysis might seem to be stating the obvious - that a large area of the B.C. coast is suitable for salmon aquaculture. Yet the real problem lies further away. The recent lift of the salmon aquaculture moratorium (Sept, 2002) will allow more farms to be placed along the coast. With this analysis, it is clear that there are ample space for expansion. For those who made a point about the environmental impact or other negative impact brought by large number of salmon farms, this is clearly a bad sign. For the proponents, i.e. the Government, this generalized siting exercise points out where the salmon farms are most likely situated. These problem area can then be fully addressed by various legislations and monitoring systems to ensure aquaculture operations do not bring adverse consequences to the coastal BC.

Recognizing the limit to this analysis, it is hard to say whether the reality is better or worse. For example, the analysis is based on relatively few factors, which unarguably not realistic in nature. GIS is one of the process to site selection, but there will be many more factors involved, and the other processes influencing its final location. However, with some tuning to the project (especially improving input), it can still become very useful.