The Global Distribution and Trajectory of Aquaculture Ponds

The developments of global aquaculture ponds provide valuable socio-economic benefits in the Anthropocene epoch, also cause potential environmental and ecological impacts. However, the extent and trajectory of aquaculture ponds over the past 37 years remain unknown on a global scale. Our study maps the global distribution of aquaculture ponds over 9 periods (1984-1994, 1995-2000, and every 3 years from 2001 to 2021) based on a deep-learning method and Landsat observations. The total area of global aquaculture ponds expands from 10043.3 km² to 18779.70 km² and showed a slowing growth rate. Asia fishpond area accounts for up to 82% of the world's area. The extent of aquaculture ponds in Asia and South America have doubled in size since 1984. China, Vietnam, and Indonesia- the three countries with the largest fishpond area- exhibited the largest fishponds area at 2004-2006. Our study provides a critical basis for assessing spatial-temporal trajectory and potential influences of aquaculture ponds.