The FAO Inland Water Resources and Aquaculture Service (FIRI) has been active in promoting the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing since 1985. However, a manual to use along with GIS software for the fisheries biologists in the field, explaining the use of GIS in inland fisheries management in a way that is understandable to non-GIS users, had not been produced at FIRI until now.
While preparing the present manual our research led us to conclude that the potential for GIS to contribute to fisheries management in developing countries is quite large and that there is a substantial demand for educational material relating to its understanding and application. For these reasons we feel that this manual is unique, appropriate and timely. We hope this manual will help boost the use of GIS in fisheries management and planning, and will help foster the sustainable use of natural resources.
