Mapping tsunami-affected coastal aquaculture areas in Northern sumatra using high resolution satellite imagery

Abstract

The December 2004 tsunami has caused severe damage to live, properties and infracture in Aceh, Indonesia. In this paper, we describe a still on-going project to map the tsunami-affected coastal aquaculture areas in the districts east of Aceh Besar (in the districts of Pirdie, Bireuen, North Aceh and East Aceh). The damage to aquaculture ponds has serious repercussions on the livelihoods of fishing communities in Aceh. The main objective is to produce base maps of the affected areas using high resolution satellite imagery, in order to identify previous aquaculture sites and to assess the damage. The maps would be used for village-level targeting and planning of rehabilitation of aquacultural activities as part of reconstructing the livelihoods of fishing communities affected by the tsunami.