Aquaculture Decision-Support Tool (Myanmar)

The Aquaculture Decision-Support Tool for Myanmar (Aqua-DST) is a dashboard designed to guide sustainable aquaculture development. Using geographic information systems, Aqua-DST evaluates whether a site is suitable or unsuitable for fish farming. For example, the tool can offer insights into the availability of feed suppliers, or flag if a proposed site is vulnerable to flooding and water shortages.

Aqua-DST combines climate data, flood and drought risks, water availability, infrastructure and socioeconomic conditions to identify the best sites for aquaculture. The interactive dashboard allows users to compare townships, adjusting filters for climate risks, value chain access, and local conditions. Decision-makers can even select fish species suited to each location.

A township database offers deeper insights into designing customized strategies for sustainable and profitable aquaculture expansion. In 2025, Aqua-DST was deployed across 170 townships in upper Myanmar, covering key regions such as Kachin, Magway, Mandalay, Sagaing, and Shan.

Many aquaculture ventures in Myanmar struggle because of poor market access, weak infrastructure, and climate-related disasters. Aqua-DST helps overcome these challenges by providing a data-driven approach to identifying where new ponds make the most sense and stand the best chance of success.