Such computer programs are called Decision Support Systems. POND was written to provide educators, extension agents, managers, planners and researchers with a tool for rapidly analyzing aquaculture systems under different management regimes, and to assist in the development of optimal management strategies. POND Version 3.0 focuses on providing a detailed view of pond aquaculture at both the individual pond as well as at the facility-level. Pond analysis is accomplished primarily by the use of simulation models combined with an economics package that can be used to generate enterprise budgets for a pond facility. These databases can be used to describe a 'physical' aquaculture facility.
Users can also define characteristics of feeds, fertilizers and liming materials.
Once a desired facility has been set up, multiple simulations can be conducted to examine the effects of various pond management scenarios on fish yields and facility-level economics. These scenarios can be simulated by the use of either the simple or more complex models. A graphics module is available for viewing the results of simulation runs. Once a simulation is completed, the economics package can be used to generate enterprise budgets on either a per unit area, per unit cost of production or overall facility basis. A detailed overview of the applications of the software can be obtained by browsing through the POND tutorial. .