Cloud-Based Data Applications for Streamlining Natural Resource Management

Coasts are fertile environments for innovation combining Big Data, natural resources management, and the Blue Economy. In 2020, Massachusetts shellfish aquaculture accounted for 17% of U.S. East Coast production, generating $339 million for fishermen alone. Managing this industry across 7,000 square kilometers of coastal waters is time-consuming, especially since it is subdivided into 801 shellfish growing areas and accessed by thousands of users. Classification and access status of those areas vary due to long- and short-term environmental factors, including climate change. Improved productivity and vitality of coastal economies depend upon efficient management of these areas.

This project will develop a cloud-based system that streamlines operations in shellfishing management, facilitates sharing of shellfish data, and increases transparency and accessibility to permit holders. This system of web interfaces for administrators and the public will employ relevant frameworks, data services, and application programming interfaces (APIs) for analysis, visualization, and reporting, resulting in a system that is scalable and flexible enough to support other applications within the purview of natural resources management. Using modern methods for cloud-based data dissemination, this project aims to help users understand what areas can be fished, rules behind a decision, and data supporting rules.