The suitability assessment on site selection for bottom seeding scallop culture based on analytic hierarchy process

Scallop culture is an important way of bottom-seeding marine ranching,which is of great significance to improve the current situation of fishery resources.However,there are some problems in site-selection evaluation of marine ranching,such as imperfect criteria system,complex structure,untargeted criteria quantification,etc.In addition,no site-selection evaluation method of bottom-seeding culture areas for scallops is available.Therefore,we established a hierarchy structure model according to the analytic hierarchy process(AHP)theory,in which social,physical,chemical,and biological environments are used as main criteria,and marine functional zonation,water depth,current,water temperature,salinity,substrate type,water quality,sediment quality,red tide,phytoplankton,and zooplankton are used as sub-criteria,on which a multi-parameter evaluation system is set up.Meanwhile,the dualism method,assignment method,and membership function method were used to quantify sub-criteria,and a quantitative evaluation for the entire criteria was added,including the evaluation and analysis of two types of unsuitable environmental situations.By overall consideration in scallop yield,quality,and marine ranching construction objectives,the weight of the main criteria could be determined.Five grades in the suitability corresponding to the evaluation result were divided,and the Python language was used to create an evaluation system for efficient calculation and intuitive presentation of the evaluation outcome.Eight marine cases were simulated based on existing survey data,and the results prove that the method is feasible for evaluating and analyzing the site selection of bottom-seeding culture areas for scallops under various environmental situations.The proposed evaluation method can be promoted for the site selection of bottom-seeding marine ranching.This study provided theoretical and methodological references for the site selection evaluation of other types of marine ranching.

The environmental analysis and site selection of mussel and large yellow croaker aquaculture areas based on high resolution remote sensing

Mussel aquaculture and large yellow croaker aquaculture areas and their environmental characteristics in Zhoushan were analyzed using satellite data and in-situ surveys.A new two-step remote sensing method was proposed and applied to determine the basic environmental characteristics of the best mussel and large yellow croaker aquaculture areas.This methodology includes the first step of extraction of the location distribution and the second step of the extraction of internal environmental factors.The fishery ranching index(FRI1,FRI2)was established to extract the mussel and the large yellow croaker aquaculture area in Zhoushan,using Gaofen-1(GF-1)and Gaofen-6(GF-6)satellite data with a special resolution of 2 m.In the second step,the environmental factors such as sea surface temperature(SST),chlorophyll a(Chl-a)concentration,current and tide,suspended sediment concentration(SSC)in mussel aquaculture area and large yellow croaker aquaculture area were extracted and analyzed in detail.The results show the following three points.(1)For the extraction of the mussel aquaculture area,FRI1 and FRI2 are complementary,and the combination of FRI1 and FRI2 is suitable to extract the mussel aquaculture area.As for the large yellow croaker aquaculture area extraction,FRI2 is suitable.(2)Mussel aquaculture and the large yellow croaker aquaculture area in Zhoushan are mainly located on the side near the islands that are away from the eastern open waters.The water environment factor template suitable for mussel and large yellow croaker aquaculture was determined.(3)This two-step remote sensing method can be used for the preliminary screening of potential site selection for the mussels and large yellow croaker aquaculture area in the future.the fishery ranching index(FRI1,FRI2)in this paper can be applied to extract the mussel and large yellow croaker aquaculture areas in coastal waters around the world.

A preliminary site selection system for underground hydrogen storage in salt caverns and its application in Pingdingshan,China

Large‐scale underground hydrogen storage(UHS)provides a promising method for increasing the role of hydrogen in the process of carbon neutrality and energy transition.Of all the existing storage deposits,salt caverns are recognized as ideal sites for pure hydrogen storage.Evaluation and optimization of site selection for hydrogen storage facilities in salt caverns have become significant issues.In this article,the software CiteSpace is used to analyze and filter hot topics in published research.Based on a detailed classification and analysis,a“four‐factor”model for the site selection of salt cavern hydrogen storage is proposed,encompassing the dynamic demands of hydrogen energy,geological,hydrological,and ground factors of salt mines.Subsequently,20 basic indicators for comprehensive suitability grading of the target site were screened using the analytic hierarchy process and expert survey methods were adopted,which provided a preliminary site selection system for salt cavern hydrogen storage.Ultimately,the developed system was applied for the evaluation of salt cavern hydrogen storage sites in the salt mines of Pingdingshan City,Henan Province,thereby confirming its rationality and effectiveness.This research provides a feasible method and theoretical basis for the site selection of UHS in salt caverns in China.

Flexible nest site selection of the endangered Oriental Storks(Ciconia boyciana):Trade-off from adaptive strategies

Nest site selection is a vital component of bird reproduction success,and an adaptive behavior conducted to decrease nest predation risk with avoiding external disturbances.Understanding patterns of nest site selection can provide insights into how species adapt to changes in their habitat and has important conservation implications.In this study,we used microhabitat variables and multi-scale data with a field survey of nest occurrence to determine nest site selection patterns and adaptive strategies of the breeding Oriental Storks(Ciconia boyciana)in different nest areas.Results demonstrate that the nest site microhabitat characteristics of the breeding Oriental Storks significantly differed among the three nesting areas,and nest height was higher in the middle and lower Yangtze River floodplain than in the Northeast China and Bohai Bay nest areas.The food resources and intensity of human disturbance had the greatest effects on the nest site selection of the breeding Oriental Storks.The intensity of human disturbance was positively correlated with the nest height of the breeding Oriental Storks in Bohai Bay and the middle and lower Yangtze River floodplain;however,nest height decreased with the abundance of food resources in the Northeast China nest area.Our findings indicate that the nest site selection patterns of Oriental Storks showed flexible adaptive strategies.In safer environments,nests were lower and closer to food resources,which allows parent storks to invest more in the nestlings.However,in areas where human activity was intense,nests were higher to ensure the safety of their offspring.Some measures that could be taken to improve the breeding habitat of Oriental Storks include increasing the percentage of wetland areas in nesting areas to enhance food resources availability and setting artificial nests at suitable heights in potential nesting grounds to encourage nesting.Finally,the establishment of soft barriers around the nesting areas could increase the safety of nests.

Genomic signatures of selection,local adaptation and production type characterisation of East Adriatic sheep breeds

Background The importance of sheep breeding in the Mediterranean part of the eastern Adriatic has a long tradition since its arrival during the Neolithic migrations.Sheep production system is extensive and generally carried out in traditional systems without intensive systematic breeding programmes for high uniform trait production(carcass,wool and milk yield).Therefore,eight indigenous Croatian sheep breeds from eastern Adriatic treated here as metapopulation(EAS),are generally considered as multipurpose breeds(milk,meat and wool),not specialised for a particular type of production,but known for their robustness and resistance to certain environmental conditions.Our objective was to identify genomic regions and genes that exhibit patterns of positive selection signatures,decipher their biological and productive functionality,and provide a"genomic"characterization of EAS adaptation and determine its production type.Results We identified positive selection signatures in EAS using several methods based on reduced local variation,linkage disequilibrium and site frequency spectrum(eROHi,iHS,nSL and CLR).Our analyses identified numerous genomic regions and genes(e.g.,desmosomal cadherin and desmoglein gene families)associated with environmental adaptation and economically important traits.Most candidate genes were related to meat/production and health/immune response traits,while some of the candidate genes discovered were important for domestication and evolutionary processes(e.g.,HOXa gene family and FSIP2).These results were also confirmed by GO and QTL enrichment analysis.Conclusions Our results contribute to a better understanding of the unique adaptive genetic architecture of EAS and define its productive type,ultimately providing a new opportunity for future breeding programmes.At the same time,the numerous genes identified will improve our understanding of ruminant(sheep)robustness and resistance in the harsh and specific Mediterranean environment.

Criteria for Selecting Carbon Subsurface and Ocean Storage Site in Developing Countries: A Review

Important first phases in the process of implementing CO2 subsurface and ocean storage projects include selecting of best possible location(s) for CO2 storage, and site selection evaluation. Sites must fulfill a number of criteria that boil down to the following basics: they must be able to accept the desired volume of CO2 at the rate at which it is supplied from the CO2 source(s);they must as well be safe and reliable;and must comply with regulatory and other societal requirements. They also must have at least public acceptance and be based on sound financial analysis. Site geology;hydrogeological, pressure, and geothermal regimes;land features;location, climate, access, etc. can all be refined from these basic criteria. In addition to aiding in site selection, site characterization is essential for other purposes, such as foreseeing the fate and impacts of the injected CO2, and informing subsequent phases of site development, including design, permitting, operation, monitoring, and eventual abandonment. According to data from the IEA, in 2022, emissions from Africa and Asias emerging markets and developing economies, excluding Chinas, increased by 4.2%, which is equivalent to 206 million tonnes of CO2 and were higher than those from developed economies. Coal-fired power generation was responsible for more than half of the rise in emissions that were recorded in the region. The difficulty of achieving sustainable socio-economic progress in the developing countries is entwined with the work of reducing CO2 emissions, which is a demanding project for the economy. Organisations from developing countries, such as Bangladesh, Cameroon, India, and Nigeria, have formed partnerships with organisations in other countries for lessons learned and investment within the climate change arena. The basaltic rocks, coal seams, depleted oil and gas reservoirs, soils, deep saline aquifers, and sedimentary basins that developing countries (Bangladesh, Cameroon, India, and Nigeria etc.) possess all contribute to the individual countrys significant geological sequestration potential. There are limited or no carbon capture and storage or clean development mechanism projects running in these countries at this time. The site selection and characterization procedure are not complete without an estimate of the storage capacity of a storage location. Estimating storage capacity relies on volumetric estimates because a site must accept the planned volume of CO2 during the active injection period. As more and more applications make use of site characterization, so too does the body of written material on the topic. As the science of CO2 storage develops, regulatory requirements are implemented, field experience grows, and the economics of CO2 capture and storage improve, so too will site selection and characterisation change.

Nest-site selection pattern of Grus japonensis in Zhalong Nature Reserve of northeast China

Nest-site selection patterns of Red-crowned cranes（Grus japonensis） and the effects of environmental variables were studied during the years of 2002-2008 in Zhalong Nature Reserve,Qiqihar city,northeast China.The nest-site selection pattern of Red-crowned cranes included two orders and three choices：the choice of nest-site habitat type within the macro-habitat order,nest zone selection and nest-site micro-habitat selection within the micro-habitat order.Various habitats（such as Carex swamps and reed fire districts） can be selected as the nest sites for Red-crowned cranes,of which reed swamps（93.15%） are given a preference.Factor Analysis reveals that the micro-habitat selection are affected by four main factors：fire,security（concealment /disturbance）,incubation（conditions,nest-material）,and food.Further analysis reveals that Red-crowned cranes have certain adaptability to the changes of nesting habitat quality in the Zhalong wetlands.In conclusion,fire,reeds,and water were the most important variables for nest-site habitat selection of Red-crowned Cranes in Zhalong Nature Reserve.

Adaptation or ecological trap? Altered nest-site selection by Reed Parrotbills after an extreme flood

Background:Floods and other extreme events have disastrous effects on wetland breeding birds.However,such events and their consequences are difficult to study due to their rarity and unpredictable occurrence.Methods:Here we compared nest-sites chosen by Reed Parrotbills(Paradoxornis heudei) during June-August 2016 in Yongnianwa Wetlands,Hebei Province,China,before and after an extreme flooding event.Results:Twenty-three nests were identified before and 13 new nests after the flood.There was no significant difference in most nest-site characteristics,such as distance from the road,height of the reeds in which nests were built,or nest volume before or after the flood.However,nests after the flood were located significantly higher in the vegetation compared to before the flood(mean ± SE:1.17 ± 0.13 m vs.0.75 ± 0.26 m,p < 0.01).However,predation rate also increased significantly after the flood(67% vs.25%,p = 0.030).Conclusions:Our results suggested that Reed Parrotbills demonstrated behavioral plasticity in their nest-site selection.Thus,they appeared to increase the height of their nests in response to the drastically changing water levels in reed wetlands,to reduce the likelihood that their nests would be submerged again by flooding.However,predation rate also increased significantly after the flood,suggesting that the change in nest height to combat the threat of flooding made the nests more susceptible to other threats,such as predation.Animals' response to rare climatic events,such as flooding,may produce ecological traps if they make the animals more susceptible to other kinds of threats they are more likely to continue to encounter.

Nest predators, nest-site selection and nest success of the Emei Shan Liocichla(Liocichla omeiensis), a vulnerable babbler endemic to southwestern China

Background: The Emei Shan Liocichla(Liocichla omeiensis) is a globally vulnerable babbler, endemic to southwestern China. We investigated its nest predators, nest-site selection and nest success at the Laojunshan National Nature Reserve in Sichuan, China in order to identify the precise nesting-habitat requirements of the species, and to test whether the nest-site-selection cues, preferred by the Emei Shan Liocichla, are positively associated with nest success.Methods: We used infrared cameras to determine nest predators. We compared the microhabitat attributes between nest and random sites, as well as successful and failed nests. We used Binary Logistic Regression to determine the most important variables affecting nest-site selection of the Emei Shan Liocichla. We used the nest survival analysis in Program MARK to estimate daily nest survival rates(DSR). Nest success was calculated using the Mayfield method.Results: In total 56 nests were found. The DSR for all nests that contained at least one egg was 0.9564 ± 0.0091(95 % CI 0.9346–0.9711)(n = 40), while the total nest success was 27.5 %. We identified four categories of predators in 10 nest predation events, i.e. squirrels(n = 5), snakes(n = 3), raptors(n = 1) and wasps(n = 1). We found that:(1) nest predation was the primary reason for nest failure of the Emei Shan Liocichla,(2) tree cover, bamboo cover, liana abundance and distance to forest edge or gap were the most important variables affecting nest-site selection of this species, and(3) the nest-site-selection variables we measured appeared not to be positively associated with nest success.Conclusions: Our findings suggest that the Emei Shan Liocichla tended to select nest sites near forest edges or gaps with good concealment and that nest-site selection by this species was nonrandom but not necessarily adaptive. Reducing forest-edge development and protecting bamboo stands should be effective for conservation of this species.

Influence of site selection on natural ventilation in Chinese traditional folk house

The relationship between the site selection of a hilly terrain and the natural ventilation of the Dangdamen building complex,which is a traditional folk house,is revealed by a computational fluid dynamics（CFD）simulation.The wind press and speed distributions around the building in four cases with different weather conditions and topographies are simulated.The simulation results show that a hill can reduce the absolute values of the wind pressure at the windward and leeward sides of the building.The encouraging effect of the patio on the natural ventilation in a terrain with a hill is greater than that without a hill.The same situation occurs when comparing the patio effects between summer and winter.The wind speed around the building can be reduced by the hill as it is an obstacle and the degrees of the influence of the hill in summer and in winter are quite different because of different wind directions.The analysis results show that this kind of site selection,with the hill to the north,is a suitable way to settle the conflict of the natural ventilation requirements in summer and in winter under subtropical climate conditions,especially in houses with patios.

Case study scenarios in site selection of hazardous material facilities based on transportation preferences

A methodology is proposed to evaluate and rank potential sites for facilities dealing with hazardous materials(HAZMAT).The proposed methodology incorporates HAZMAT route planning into facility siting while considering transportation preferences and challenges.The area of interest is divided into smaller zones representing potential sites for a HAZMAT facility.A multimodal transportation network including railways and roads is considered for transportation of HAZMAT.Each zone is evaluated based on its accessibility from a set of selected points of interests(POIs),which are defined as potential origin/destination points for transportation of HAZMAT.The shortest routes between each POI and potential zones are evaluated based on a cost function which can accommodate multiple criteria to determine the associated disutility for each potential zone.Finally,zones are ranked based on their cumulative disutility scores.The proposed analysis method is quantitative,and at the same time it is adequately flexible to allow inclusion of subjective criteria.Application of the proposed methodology is demonstrated for identifying optimal locations for a HAZMAT facility(e.g.,a nuclear facility)using the Canadian province of Saskatchewan as an example.Three scenarios were evaluated including(1)all network segments and POIs were treated equally,(2)network segments were rank ordered based on their functional classification while POIs were treated equally and(3)network segments were rank ordered based on their functional classification with preferences given to specific POI(s).

Application of Grey Situation Decision-Making Theory in Site Selection of a Waste Sanitary Landfill

An application of an unequal-weighted multi-objective decision making method in site selection of a waste sanitary landfill is discussed. The eight factors, which affected possible options, were: size and capacity of the landfill, permeability of the stratum, the average difference in elevation between the groundwater level and the bottom of the landfill pit, quality and source of clay, the quality grade of the landfill site, the effect of landfill engineering on nearby residents, distance to the water supply and the water source as well as the cost of construction and waste transport. These are determined, given the conditions of the geological environment, the need for environmental protection and landfill site construction and transportation related to the design and operation of a sanitary landfill. The weights of the eight factors were further investigated based on the difference in their relevance. Combined with practical experience from Xuzhou city (Jiangsu province, China), the objectives, effects and weights of grey decision-making were deter- mined and the process and outcome of the landfill site selection are stated in detail. The decision-making results have been proven to be acceptable and correct. As we show, unequal-weighted multi-objective grey situation decision-mak- ing is characterized by easy calculations and good maneuverability when used in landfill site selection. The number of factors (objectives) affecting the outcome and the quantitative method of qualitative indices can be adjusted on the basis of concrete conditions in landfill site selection. Therefore, unequal-weighted multi-objective grey situation decision making is a feasible method in selecting landfill sites which offers a reference method for landfill site selection else- where. It is a useful, rational and scientific exploration in the choice of`a landfill site.

Site selection of emergency material warehouse under fuzzy environment

The objective of this work was to determine the location of emergency material warehouses. For the site selection problem of emergency material warehouses, the triangular fuzzy numbers are respectively demand of the demand node, the distance between the warehouse and demand node and the cost of the warehouse, a bi-objective programming model was established with minimum total cost of the system and minimum distance between the selected emergency material warehouses and the demand node. Using the theories of fuzzy numbers, the fuzzy programming model was transformed into a determinate bi-objective mixed integer programming model and a heuristic algorithm for this model was designed. Then, the algorithm was proven to be feasible and effective through a numerical example. Analysis results show that the location of emergency material warehouse depends heavily on the values of degree a and weight wl. Accurate information of a certain emergency activity should be collected before making the decision.

Single atom doping induced charge-specific distribution of Cu1-TiO_(2) for selective aniline oxidation via a new mechanism

Utilizing single atom sites doping into metal oxides to modulate their intrinsic active sites,achieving precise selectivity control in complex organic reactions,is a highly desirable yet challenging endeavor.Meanwhile,identifying the active site also represents a significant obstacle,primarily due to the intricate electronic environment of single atom site doped metal oxide.Herein,a single atom Cu doped TiO_(2)catalyst(Cu_(1)-TiO_(2)) is prepared via a simple“colloid-acid treatment”strategy,which switches aniline oxidation selectivity of TiO_(2) from azoxybenzene to nitrosobenzene,without using additives or changing solvent,while other metal or nonmetal doped TiO_(2) did not possess.Comprehensive mechanistic investigations and DFT calculations unveil that Ti-O active site is responsible for triggering the aniline to form a new PhNOH intermediate,two PhNOH condense to azoxybenzene over TiO_(2) catalyst.As for Cu_(1)-TiO_(2),the charge-specific distribution between the isolated Cu and TiO_(2) generates unique Cu_(1)-O-Ti hybridization structure with nine catalytic active sites,eight of them make PhNOH take place spontaneous dissociation to produce nitrosobenzene.This work not only unveils a new mechanistic pathway featuring the PhNOH intermediate in aniline oxidation for the first time but also presents a novel approach for constructing single-atom doped metal oxides and exploring their intricate active sites.

Layout Modes and Characteristics of Site Selection of Traditional Ancestral Halls in Jiangxi: A Case Study of Yu Ancestral Hall in Wangkou Village, Wuyuan County

Traditional ancestral halls play an important role in the inheritance of the clan system.They carry strong clan ritual culture and are the hall of the clan spirit.In China’s traditional society,the clan concept was very deep,and a village was often formed by a single clan.An ancestral hall is a place where people sacrifice their ancestors and thus is given the most important significance,which is related to the rise and fall of the clan.Based on the instinct of biological benefit and avoidance,the site selection of ancestral halls must be the most favorable.In this paper,the site selection of Yu Ancestral Hall in Wangkou Village,Wuyuan County,Jiangxi Province was surveyed and analyzed,and the layout modes and artistic characteristics of site selection of traditional ancestral halls in Jiangxi were studied to provide reference for the protection and sustainable development of traditional ancestral halls.

Site Selection of Land Consolidation Project Based on Farmland Quality Evaluation in Yanjin County of Henan Province

In order to explore the effects of farmland quality evaluation on site selection of land consolidation projects,the methods of agricultural land use classification were used. Taking several project areas in Yanjin County of Henan Province as examples,the farmland quality before and after land consolidation projects was evaluated. The results indicate that under the conditions of reasonable site selection,the implementation of land consolidation projects can effectively improve the farmland quality and increase the grain productivity. Therefore,before the site selection for land consolidation projects,it is recommended to carry out pre-evaluation of farmland quality,and guide the project implementation according to the evaluation results. Besides,it is recommended to focus on medium and low level farmland with large centralized area,excellent original production conditions,but low level of development and use.

GIS and Multicriteria Decision Analysis for Landfill Site Selection in Al-Hashimyah Qadaa

Waste management system is not well regulated in Iraq. Despite the fact that there are various techniques used for solid waste disposal, landfill is the most common mode for the disposal of solid waste in Iraq, landfill site selection criteria is quite complex process and it depends on several regulation and factors. In this study landfill site selection is performed by using Multicriteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) and Geographic Information System (GIS) for the Al-Hashimyahqadaa. Existing landfills in qadaa are temporary and/or non-conforming to the environmental conditions. In order to determine landfill site, several criteria were examined such as urban centers, land use, airports, pipes, power lines, railways, roads, slope, streams, surface water, industrial areas, oil pipes, liquid gas pipes, soil types are prepared. MCDA was used to measure the relative importance weighting for each criterion. Each map layer was prepared using GIS and the final suitable map was created by overlay analyses of each criterion map. According to the results, high and low suitable areas were determined in the study area. Field site check was performed to determine the accuracy and suitability of the candidate sites.

Improved Protein Phosphorylation Site Prediction by a New Combination of Feature Set and Feature Selection

Phosphorylation of protein is an important post-translational modification that enables activation of various enzymes and receptors included in signaling pathways. To reduce the cost of identifying phosphorylation site by laborious experiments, computational prediction of it has been actively studied. In this study, by adopting a new set of features and applying feature selection by Random Forest with grid search before training by Support Vector Machine, our method achieved better or comparable performance of phosphorylation site prediction for two different data sets.

GIS-Based Multi-Criteria Evaluation Models for Selection of Suitable Sites for Pacific Oyster(Crassostrea gigas)Aquaculture in the Central Region of Vietnam

Oysters are nutritious food organisms,rich in protein,minerals and vitamins.Production from Pacific oyster(Crassostrea gigas)aquaculture is increasing and supports the livelihoods of coastal communities.To ensure both success and long-term sustainability of oyster production,the determination of suitable sites is an important step in any aquaculture operation.This study applied GIS(Geographic Information System)based MCE(Multi-Criteria Evaluation)for locating suitable sites for Pacific oyster(Crassostrea gigas)farms in coastal regions in Central Vietnam.Remote sensing data were obtained viaMODIS(Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer)and high resolution imagery from the Google Earth Engine,while oceanic data were obtained from HYCOM-NCODA(Hybrid Coordinate Ocean Model-Navy Coupled Ocean Data Assimilation)coupled with local hydrodynamic FEM(Finite Element Model)Hydrographic charts and GPS(Global Positioning System)data were used to extract required information layers for GIS based MCE for the suitable site selection of oyster farms.Six thematic layers of biophysical parameters were used to analysis MCE non-constraints including the depth,temperature,salinity,Chl-a(Chlorophyll-a)content,suspended matter concentration and velocity of sea current.Then,an MCE analysis with constraint was used to exclude the areas from suitability maps where oyster aquaculture could not be developed.They were conducted in two subgroups,biophysical subgroup(including un-suitable depth,un-suitable substratum and shore line types,potential regions prone to strong impact of natural disasters and environmental risks,sensitive habitats in MPAs(Marine Protection Areas),and social-infrastructural subgroups(including human settlement in urban area,wastewater system,industrial zones,piers,harbors etc.).A series of GIS models was developed to identify the most suitable areas for oyster culture using MCE with the estimating of factor score(Xi)based on expert knowledge as well as calculating of Weighting(Wi)based on Saaty’s matrix relevant to the importance level of assessed factors in comparison.Suitability scores were ranked on a scale from 1(least suitable)to 8(most suitable).The best suitable sites for oyster aquaculture in coastal areas of the central region of Vietnam have been found.These study results confirmed that a GIS based MCE model is a powerful tool that supports site selection decision-making in aquaculture.

Nest Site Selection of Loggerhead and Leatherback Sea Turtles at the Eastern Coast of Inhaca Island, Mozambique

Nest site selection represents an important reproductive strategy for sea turtles as it can strongly affect the development and survival of the offsprings and the reproductive fitness of the adults. In this study we analyzed the nest site selection of loggerhead and leatherback turtles and the factors correlated with that selection at Inhaca Island. The spatial position of the nests was recorded during sea turtles nests monitoring and six nesting seasons were used. Satellite images of Inhaca were used to characterize some of the beach features that might be correlated with nest site selection. Nest distribution analysis revealed that loggerhead turtles tend to spread their nests along the entire beach, but a higher aggregation of nests was evident at the northern most section of the eastern coast. Leatherback turtles tend to nest in a restricted area, with approximately 40% nests at the central sections of the coast. Beach height was the physical variable significantly correlated to loggerhead＇s nest density （r = 0.309, N = 125, P 〈 0.01） while fin grain particles （specifically 0.125 mm grain size particles） （r = 0.399, N = 125, P 〈 0.01） and organic content （r = 0.218, N = 125, P 〈 0.05） were the variables significantly correlated to leatherback＇s nest density. No other factors investigated affected nest site selection of either species.