Problem Statement 15-11: "Design a tool which fishers can use to quickly ascertain the sea level rise, storm surge and flooding risks in their area."

Background
As the demand for seafood continues to grow, more and more of the seafood we eat comes from aquaculture. According to the FAO 66.6 million tons of fish were produced via aquaculture in 2012, though not all for human consumption. Within the aquaculture production, the majority (41.9 million tons) was inland aquaculture. Inland aquaculture is often based in freshwater and is very popular in China, India and even the Southeastern United States. Farmers raise species such as tilapia and catfish and frequently rely on the fish for protein.

Problem Statement
According to IPCC, the sea level is likely to rise in more 95% of the ocean. We are also expected to experience increased frequencies of droughts and flooding. This poses a problem for both off-shore aquaculture and inland aquaculture as storm surges increase with sea level rise and flooding disrupts aquaculture ponds and the risk of fish escapes. Unfortunately, when planning out their aquaculture pond, fishermen have very little knowledge on the impact that sea level rise and flooding could have. Understanding the impact of increased precipitation and sea level rise in their particular location would help them to be more deliberate in site selection and plan for longer-term economic and environmental sustainability for their aquaculture. Design a tool through which fisherman can quickly ascertain the sea level rise, storm surge and flooding risks in their area.

Additional Background
The Climate Connection has created a model tool for this for the United States, but fishing and aquaculture information is not currently included. http://sealevel.climatecentral.org/

Also, there is not currently an easily searchable map for areas outside of the United States, but there are global maps that use rough estimates such as this one: http://geology.com/sea-level-rise/

Aquaculture is common in the Southeastern United states. In 2013, the aquaculture sector in Mississippi produced products valued at $204 million - second only to the state of Washington. Mississippi was followed by Alabama, Louisiana, California and Florida as the largest producers (by $ value) of aquaculture in the United States.

Core Category
Aquaculture

Organization Name
Tennessee Aquarium

Organization Address
1 Broad St. Chattanooga, TN 37402

Organization Point of Contact (Name)
Louise Stephens

Organization Point of Contact (Phone Number)
423-785-4067

Organization Point of Contact (Email Address)
join-us@tnaqua.org

Focus Area
Conservation

Solution Category
Software