Analysis of Offshore Aquaculture Detection Techniques Using Synthetic Aperture Radar Images

In the face of escalating utilization of the marine spatial domain, conflicts have emerged among stakeholders, necessitating effective management strategies beyond conventional government permits and regulations. Particularly within the domain of aquaculture, operational oversight relies on a localized licensing system, posing challenges in accurately assessing the prevailing circumstances. This research employs synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imagery as a tool to monitor coastal aquaculture fish farms, aimed at enhancing insights into management protocols. Leveraging Sentinel-1A imagery and time series SAR data integration, a superimposition technique is utilized, facilitating noise reduction while retaining crucial information regarding smaller-scale facilities, such as fish farms. Through analysis of VH polarization data, a detection overall accuracy of approximately 88% for coastal fish farms was achieved. The findings of this study offer potential applications in the continuous monitoring of aquaculture farms in correspondence with seasonal variations in aquaculture yields, thereby proposing frameworks for the establishment of effective management cycles for marine space utilization.