Zhang Zhipeng, Zhou Jian, Song Jingjing, Wang Qixiang, Liu Hongjun, Tang Xuexi
College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China; Marine Biology Institute of Shandong Province, Qingdao 266104, China.
Shandong Marine Forecast and Hazard Mitigation Service, Qingdao 266104, China.
Mar Pollut Bull. 2017 Sep 15;122(1-2):65-76. doi: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2017.06.001. Epub 2017 Jun 17.
A habitat suitability index (HSI) model for the sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus (Selenka) was established in the present study. Based on geographic information systems, the HSI model was used to identify potential sites around the Shandong Peninsula suitable for restoration of immature (<25g) and mature (>25g) A. japonicus. Six habitat factors were used as input variables for the HSI model: sediment classification, water temperature, salinity, water depth, pH and dissolved oxygen. The weighting of each habitat factor was defined through the Delphi method. Sediment classification was the most important condition affecting the HSI of A. japonicus in the different study areas, while water temperature was the most important condition in different seasons. The HSI of Western Laizhou Bay was relatively low, meaning the site was not suitable for aquaculture-based restoration of A. japonicus. In contrast, Xiaoheishan Island, Rongcheng Bay and Qingdao were preferable sites, suitable as habitats for restoration efforts.
