GIS mapping of pond aquaculture potential in Bangladesh

In Bangladesh inland pond aquaculture supplies 45% of freshwater fish, an important protein source for its increasing population. To maintain the desired productivity growth of the aquaculture sector will mean bringing more water bodies into production. With the high potential areas already developed, increasing aquaculture productivity in the more challenging areas needs to be more strategic and well-supported with relevant information about the opportunities and limitations faced in these areas. To aid aquaculture planning and management, GIS modeling tools were used to map and evaluate the potential, and identify constraints, for smallholding pond aquaculture development.