Analysis of the Physical and Morphological Aspects of a Hydrographic Watershed with Critical Areas for the use of Water Resources, Brazil

Objective: Map the excavated ponds, hydrology, relief, slope and soil types in the Jesuítas river micro-watershed. Estimate the input of Total Nitrogen and Total Phosphorus due to fish production in excavated ponds. Theoretical Framework: Georeferencing is one of the technologies applied in geoscience. It encompasses the collection, storage, processing, analysis and representation of data from a given geographical space, using computer systems. Method: Open access geo-technological tools such as QGIS and Google Earth to create maps, morphometric indicators and estimate nutrient inputs from fish farming in excavated ponds in the Jesuítas Creek watershed. Qualitative and quantitative exploratory research on fish production in the municipalities that share the Jesuítas Creek watershed. Results and Discussion: The Jesuítas Creek watershed has a favorable geomorphometry and road network for aquaculture production in excavated ponds. Fish production in the municipalities in 2023 reached 35,112 tons, especially in Nova Aurora, with Tilapia accounting for 99.6% of this production. Large excavated ponds, those larger than 6,000 m², are the most abundant in the watershed and are estimated to contribute the most nitrogen and phosphorus to the watershed hydrology. Research Implications: Planning the orderly and environmental use of water resources for fish farming in the region. The maps and indices provided important data for the sustainable and economic expansion of fish farming. Originality/Value: The mapping of ponds and physical resources, such as land use and occupation, is important information for analyzing the direction of the expansion of activities, as well as pointing out, on maps and data, the suitable locations and the actions needed for the sustainable planning of fish farming in the micro-watershed of the Jesuítas stream.