Methodology for Positioning a Group of Green Artificial Reef Based on a Database Management System, Applied in the Estuary of Ares-Betanzos (nw Iberian Peninsula)

The Galician coast, and particularly its estuaries are ecosystems with a large biological production which require protection against the strong human pressure they suffer. Sustainability in fishing, shell fishing and recreational activities makes it advisable to develop measures such as the implementation of green artificial reefs (AR), which promote wealth and biodiversity in areas that stand out due to their productive capacity. This document proposes a database management system (DBMS) to determine the position of the AR groups, based on geographic information systems (GIS) combined with high resolution numerical modelling and the development of computational algorithms. This system will be capable of analysing a large amount of spatial information regarding socio-economic and environmental factors that affect their installation. The methodology considered in the DBMS takes into account production factors and economic factors related to construction and maintenance. This combination allows for the identification of the best locations for the functional development of the AR group with low implementation costs. The DBMS is applied to the Ria of Ares-Betanzos leading to the definition of the most suitable places for installing AR groups in this area. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.