Skip to main content

Paradigm changes in freshwater aquaculture practices in China: Moving towards achieving environmental integrity and sustainability

Ambio volume 47, pages 410–426 (2018)Cite this article

Abstract

Contribution of fisheries and aquaculture to global food security is linked to increased fish consumption. Projections indicate that an additional 30–40 million tonnes of fish will be required by 2030. China leads global aquaculture production accounting for 60% in volume and 45% in value. Many changes in the Chinese aquaculture sector are occurring to strive towards attaining environmental integrity and prudent use of resources. We focus on changes introduced in freshwater aquaculture developments in China, the main source of food fish supplies. We bring forth evidence in support of the contention that Chinese freshwater aquaculture sector has introduced major paradigm changes such as prohibition of fertilisation in large water bodies, introduction of stringent standards on nutrients in effluent and encouragement of practices that strip nutrients among others, which will facilitate long-term sustainability of the sector.

This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution.

Access options

Buy single article

Instant access to the full article PDF.

43,34 €

Price includes VAT (Finland)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8
Fig. 9

References

  • Ahmed, M., and M.H. Lorica. 2002. Improving developing country food security through aquaculture development-lessons from Asia. Food Policy 27: 125–141. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0306-9192(02)00007-6.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ahmed, N., K.K. Zander, and S.T. Garnett. 2011. Socio-economic aspects of rice-fish farming in Bangladesh: Opportunities, challenges and production efficiency. The Australian Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics 55: 199–219. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-8489.2011.00535.x.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ahmed, N., J.D. Ward, and C.P. Saint. 2014. Can integrated aquaculture-agriculture (IAA) produce “more crop per drop”. Food Science 6: 767–779. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12571-014-0394-9.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Aldhous, P. 2004. Fish farms still ravage the sea. Sustainable aquaculture takes one step forward, two steps back. Nature Online. https://doi.org/10.1038/news040216-10.

  • Bartoli, M., D. Nizzoli, D. Longhi, A. Laini, and P. Viaroli. 2007. Impact of a trout farm on the water quality of an Apennine creek from daily budgets of nutrients. Chemistry and Ecology 23: 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1080/02757540601084003.

    CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  • Beardmore, J.A., G.C. Mair, and R.I. Lewis. 1997. Biodiversity in aquatic systems in relation to aquaculture. Aquaculture Research 28: 829–839. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2109.1997.00947.x.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bell, J., W. Cheung, S.S. De Silva, M.A. Gasalla, S. Frusher, A. J. Hobday, V. Lam, P. Lehodey, et al. 2016. Impacts and effects of ocean warming on the contributions of fisheries and aquaculture to food security. In Explaining ocean warming: Causes, scale, effects and consequences, ed. D. Laffoley and J.M. Baxter, 409–437. Gland: International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN). https://doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.CH.2016.08.en.

  • Belton, B., and S.H. Thilsted. 2014. Fisheries in transition: Food and nutrition security implications for the global South. Global Food Security 3: 59–66. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gfs.2013.10.001.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Běně, C., M. Barange, R. Subasinghe, P. Pinstrup-Andersen, G. Merino, G.I. Hemre, and M. Williams. 2015. Feeding 9 billion by 2050-putting fish back on the menu. Food Security 7: 261–274. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12571-015-0427-z.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Běně, C., R. Arthur, H. Norbury, E.H. Allisonc, M. Beveridged, S. Bushe, L. Camplingf, W. Leschen, et al. 2016. Contribution of fisheries and aquaculture to food security and poverty reduction: assessing current evidence. World Development 79: 177–196. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.worlddev.2015.11.007.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Berg, H. 2002. Rice monoculture and integrated rice-fish farming in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam-economic and ecological considerations. Ecological Economics 41: 95–107. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0921-8009(02)00027-7.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Boyd, C.E., and D. Gautier. 2000. Effluent composition and water quality standards. Global Aquaculture Advocate 3: 61–66.

    Google Scholar 

  • BFMA (Bureau of Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture, People’s Republic of China). 2005-2015. China Seafood Imports and Exports Statistical Yearbook (2005-2015). China Society of Fisheries, Beijing.

  • BFMA (Bureau of Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture, People’s Republic of China). 2004-2016. China Fishery Statistical Yearbook (2004-2016). China Agriculture Press, Beijing.

  • Cai, C., X. Gu, H. Huang, X. Dai, Y. Ye, and C. Shi. 2012. Water quality, nutrient budget, and pollutant loads in Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) farms around East Taihu Lake. Chinese Journal of Oceanology and Limnology 30: 29–36. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00343-012-1034-x.

    CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cai, C., X. Gu, Y. Ye, C. Yang, X. Dai, D. Chen, and C. Yang. 2013. Assessment of pollutant loads discharged from aquaculture ponds around Taihu Lake, China. Aquaculture Research 44: 795–806. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2109.2011.03088.x.

    CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  • Calder, P.C. 2004. Long-chain n-3 fatty acids and cardiovascular disease: further evidence and insights. Nutrition Research 24: 761–772. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nutres.2004.04.008.

    CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cao, L., R. Naylor, P. Henriksson, D. Leadbitter, M. Metian, M. Troell, and W. Zhang. 2015. China’s aquaculture and the world’s wild fisheries. Science 347: 133–135. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1260149.

    CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chen, H.D. 1989. Impact of aquaculture on the ecosystem of Donghu Lake, Wuhan. Acta Hydrobiologia Sinica 13: 359–368. (In Chinese with English abstract).

    Google Scholar 

  • Chen, J., S. Meng, G. Hu, J. Qu, and L. Fan. 2010. Effect of Ipomoea aquatica cultivation on artificial floating rafts on water quality of intensive aquaculture ponds. Journal of Ecology and Rural Environment 26: 155–159 (In Chinese with English abstract).

    Google Scholar 

  • Cheng, H., B. Hu, and A.T. Charles. 1995. Chinese integrated farming: a comparative bioeconomic analysis. Aquaculture Research 26: 81–94. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2109.1995.tb00887.x.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chiu, A., L. Li, S. Guo, J. Bai, C. Fedor, and R.L. Naylor. 2013. Feed and fishmeal use in the production of carp and tilapia in China. Aquaculture 414: 127–134. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aquaculture.2013.07.049.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cochrane, K., C. De Young, D. Soto, and T. Bahri. 2009. Climate change implications for fisheries and aquaculture: overview of current scientific knowledge. FAO, Fisheries and Aquaculture Technical Paper No. 530, Rome, Italy.

  • Crawford, M.A., M. Bloom, C.L. Broadhurst, and W.F. Schmidt. 1999. Evidence for the unique function of DHA during the evolution of the modern hominid brain. Lipids 34: S39–S47. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02562227.

    CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cunnnane, S.C., and K.M. Stewart. 2010. Human brain evolution: The influence of freshwater and marine food resources. Hoboken: Wiley-Blackwell.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • De Silva, S.S. 2001. A global perspective of aquaculture in the new millennium. In Aquaculture in the third millennium (technical proceedings of the conference on aquaculture in the third millennium, Bangkok, 20–25 February, 2000), ed. R.P. Subasinghe, P. Bueno, M.J. Phillips, C. Hough, S.E. McGladdery and J.R. Arthur, 431–459. Bangkok: NACA.

  • De Silva, S.S. 2003. Culture-based fisheries: an underutilized opportunity in aquaculture. Aquaculture 221: 221–243. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0044-8486(02)00657-9.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • De Silva, S.S., R.P. Subasinghe, D.M. Bartley, and A. Lowther. 2004. Tilapias as alien aquatics in Asia and the Pacific: a review. FAO, Fisheries Technical Paper 453, Rome, Italy.

  • De Silva, S.S., and D. Soto. 2009. Climate change and aquaculture: potential impacts, adaptation and mitigation. FAO, Fisheries Technical Paper No. 530, Rome, Italy.

  • De Silva, S.S., and F.B. Davy. 2010. Aquaculture successes in Asia, contributing to sustained development and poverty alleviation. In Success stories in asian aquaculture, ed. S.S. De Silva and F.B. Davy, 8–21. Dordrecht: Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-90-481-3087-0_1.

  • De Silva, S.S. 2012. Aquaculture—a newly emergent food production sector- and perspectives of its impacts on biodiversity and conservation. Biodiversity and Conservation 21: 3187–3220. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10531-012-0360-9.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • De Silva, S.S. 2016. Culture based fisheries in Asia are a strategy to augment food security. Food Security 8: 585–596. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12571-016-0568-8.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • DIAS. 2004. Database on introductions of aquatic species. FAO, Rome, Italy: Fisheries Global Information Systems.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dong, S. 2009. On sustainable development of aquaculture: A functional perspective. Journal of Fishery Sciences of China 16: 798–805 (In Chinese with English abstract).

    Google Scholar 

  • Dong, S. 2011. High efficiency with low carbon: The only way for China aquaculture to develop. Journal of Fishery Sciences of China 35: 1595–1600 (In Chinese with English abstract).

    Google Scholar 

  • Dong, S. 2015. On ecological intensification of aquaculture systems in China. Chinese Fisheries Economics 33: 4–9 (In Chinese with English abstract).

    Google Scholar 

  • Du, Y., H. Xue, S. Wu, F. Ling, F. Xiao, and X. Wei. 2011. Lake area changes in the middle Yangtze region of China over the 20th century. Journal of Environmental Management 92: 1248–1255. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2010.12.007.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Edwards, P. 2004. Traditional Chinese aquaculture and its impact outside China. World Aquaculture 35: 24–27.

    Google Scholar 

  • Edwards, P. 2008. The changing face of pond aquaculture in China. Global Aquaculture Advocate, 77–80.

  • Fang, J., S. Rao, and S. Zhao. 2005. Human-induced long-term changes in the lakes of the Jianghan Plain, Central Yangtze. Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment 3: 186–192. https://doi.org/10.2307/3868462.

  • Fang, J., Z. Wang, S. Zhao, Y. Li, Z. Tang, D. Yu, L. Ni, H. Liu, et al. 2006. Biodiversity changes in the lakes of the Central Yangtze. Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment 4: 369–377. https://doi.org/10.1890/1540-9295(2006)004[0369:BCITLO]2.0.CO;2.

  • FAO. 2011a. Technical guidelines on aquaculture certification. Rome, Italy: FAO.

    Google Scholar 

  • FAO. 2011b. World Aquaculture 2010. FAO, Fisheries and Aquaculture Technical Paper No. 500/1, Rome, Italy.

  • FAO. 2014. State of the world fisheries and aquaculture 2014. Rome, Italy: FAO.

    Google Scholar 

  • FAO. 2016. FishStatJ. FAO, Rome, Italy. http://www.fao.org/fishery/statistics/software/fishstatj/en (accessed 1 January 2017).

  • Feng, T., J. Liu, T. Zhang, S. Ye, and Z. Li. 2010. Study on pond culture technology of Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) in lake reclaimed paddy of Honghu Lake. Freshwater Fisheries 40: 66–71 (In Chinese with English abstract).

    Google Scholar 

  • Froese, R., D. Zellert, K. Kleisner, and D. Pauly. 2012. What catch data can tell us about the status of global fisheries? Marine Biology 159: 1283–1292. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00227-012-1909-6.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Godfray, H.C.J., J.R. Beddington, I.R. Crute, L. Haddad, D. Lawrence, J.F. Muir, J. Pretty, S. Robinson, et al. 2010. Food security: The challenge of feeding 9 billion people. Science 327: 812–818. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1185383.

    CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  • Guan, M., L. Zhu, L. Zhou, X. Jiang, X. Shen, and B. Han. 2012. The purification effect of aquaponics on water quality in aquaculture ponds. Journal of Anhui Agriculture Sciences 40: 8088–8189 (In Chinese with English abstract).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Guo, L., Z. Li, P. Xie, and L. Ni. 2009. Assessment effects of cage culture on nitrogen and phosphorus dynamics in relation to fallowing in a shallow lake in China. Aquaculture International 17: 229–241. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10499-008-9195-5.

    CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  • Han, D., X. Shan, W. Zhang, Y. Chen, Q. Wang, Z. Li, G. Zhang, P. Xu, et al. 2016. A revisit to fishmeal usage and associated consequences in Chinese aquaculture. Reviews in Aquaculture. https://doi.org/10.1111/raq.12183.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hanjra, M.A., and M.E. Qureshi. 2010. Global water crisis and future food security in an era of climate change. Food Policy 35: 365–377. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodpol.2010.05.006.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Herbeck, L.S., D. Unger, Y. Wu, and T.C. Jennerjahn. 2013. Effluent, nutrient and organic matter export from shrimp and fish ponds causing eutrophication in coastal and back-reef waters of NE Hainan, tropical China. Continental Shelf Research 57: 92–104. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.csr.2012.05.006.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hu, L., J. Tang, J. Zhang, W. Ren, L. Guo, H. Matthias, K. Li, Z. Zhu, et al. 2015. Development of rice-fish system: today and tomorrow. Chinese Journal of Eco-Agriculture 23: 268–275 (In Chinese with English abstract).

    Google Scholar 

  • International Finance Corporation. 1998. Environmental, health, and safety guidelines for fish processing. Washington, DC: International Finance Corporation.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jia, P., W. Zhang, and Q. Liu. 2013. Lake fisheries in China: Challenges and opportunities. Fisheries Research 140: 66–72.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jin, X., Q. Xu, and C. Huang. 2005. Current status and future tendency of lake eutrophication in China. Sci China Ser C 48: 948–954. https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/BF03187133.pdf.

  • Kang, B., J. Deng, Y. Wu, L. Chen, J. Zhang, H. Qiu, Y. Lu, and D. He. 2014. Mapping China’s freshwater fishes: Diversity and biogeography. Fish and Fisheries 15: 209–230. https://doi.org/10.1111/faf.12011.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kawarazuka, N., and C. Běně. 2010. Linking small scale fisheries and aquaculture to household nutritional security: An overview. Food Security 2: 342–357. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12571-010-0079-y.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kharaz, H., and G. Gertz. 2010. The new global middle class: A cross-over from West to East. In China’s emerging middle class: Beyond economic transformation, ed. C. Li, 32–51. Washington DC: Brookings Institution Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lansing, J.S., and J.N. Kremer. 2011. Rice, fish and the planet. PNAS 108: 19841–19842. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1117707109.

    CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  • Leung, T.L.F., and A.E. Bates. 2013. More rapid and severe disease outbreaks for aquaculture in the tropics: Implications for food security. Journal of Applied Ecology 50: 215–222. https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2644.12017.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Li, S. 1987. Energy structure and efficiency of a typical Chinese integrated fish farm. Aquaculture 65: 105–118. https://doi.org/10.1016/0044-8486(87)90255-9.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Li, K.M. 1988. Rice-fish culture in China: A review. Aquaculture 71: 173–186. https://doi.org/10.1016/0044-8486(88)90257-8.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Li, X., S. Dong, Y. Lei, and Y. Li. 2007. The effect of stocking density of Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis on rice and crab seed yields in rice-crab culture systems. Aquaculture 273: 487–493. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aquaculture.2007.10.028.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lin, Y., Z. Gao, and A. Zhan. 2013. Introduction and use of non-native species for aquaculture in China: Status, risks and management solutions. Reviews in Aquaculture 5: 1–31. https://doi.org/10.1111/raq.12052.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lin, M., Z. Li, J. Liu, R.E. Gozlan, S. Lek, T. Zhang, S. Ye, W. Li, et al. 2015. Maintaining economic value of ecosystem services whilst reducing environmental cost: A way to achieve freshwater restoration in China. PLoS ONE 10: e0120298. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0120298.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Liu, J., and Q. Cai. 1998. Integrated aquaculture in Chinese lakes and paddy fields. Ecological Engineering 11: 49–59. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0925-8574(98)00022-6.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Liu, J., and Z. Li. 2010. The role of exotics in Chinese inland aquaculture. In Success stories in Asian aquaculture, ed. S.S. De Silva and F.B. Davy, 173–186. Dordrecht: Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-90-481-3087-0_9.

  • Liu, J., Q. Wang, T. Zhang, S. Ye, W. Li,, J. Yuan, and Z. Li. 2017. Development of lake and reservoir fisheries in China. In Chinese aquaculture: Success stories and modern trends, ed. J-F. Gui, Q. Tang, Z. Li, J. Liu and S.S. De Silva. Chichester: Wiley (in press).

  • Liu, X.G., H. Xu, and C. Liu. 2017. Ecological engineering technologies for optimizing freshwater pond aquaculture. In Chinese aquaculture: Success stories and modern trends, ed. J-F. Gui, Q. Tang, Z. Li, J. Liu and S.S. De Silva. Chichester: Wiley (in press).

  • Ma, D., J. Qian, J. Liu, and J. Gui. 2016. Development strategy for the integrated rice field aquaculture. Engineering Sciences 18: 96–100 (In Chinese with English abstract).

    Google Scholar 

  • Miao, W. 2010. Recent developments in rice-fish culture in China: A holistic approach for livelihood improvement in rural areas. In Success stories in asian aquaculture, ed. S.S. De Silva and F.B. Davy, 15–40. Dordrecht: Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-90-481-3087-0_2.

  • Molnar, N., D.T. Welsh, C. Marchand, J. Deborde, and T. Meziane. 2013. Impacts of shrimp farm effluent on water quality, benthic metabolism and N-dynamics in a mangrove forest (New Caledonia). Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science 117: 12–21. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecss.2012.07.012.

    CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  • Moyle, P.B., and R.A. Leidy. 1992. Loss of biodiversity in aquatic ecosystems; evidence from fish faunas. In Conservation biology: The theory and practice of nature conservation, ed. P.L. Fielder and S.K. Jain, 129–161. London: Chapman and Hall. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4684-6426-9_6.

  • Naylor, R.L., R.J. Goldburg, H. Mooney, M. Beveridge, J. Clay, C. Folke, N. Kautsky, J. Lubchenco, et al. 1998. Nature’s subsidies to shrimp and salmon farming. Science 282: 883–884. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.282.5390.883.

    CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  • Naylor, R.L., R.J. Goldburg, J. Primavera, N. Kautsky, M.C. Beveridge, J. Clay, C. Folke, J. Lubchenco, et al. 2000. Effect of aquaculture on world fish supplies. Nature 405: 1017–1024. https://doi.org/10.1038/35016500.

    CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  • Naylor, R.L., S.L. Williams, and D.R. Strong. 2001. Aquaculture—A gateway for exotic species. Science 294: 1655–1666. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1064875.

    CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  • Olsen, Y. 2011. Resources for fish feed in future mariculture. Aquaculture Environment Interactions 1: 187–200. https://doi.org/10.3354/aei00019.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ouyang, Z., H. Zheng, Y. Xiao, S. Polasky, J. Liu, W. Xu, Q. Wang, L. Zhang, et al. 2016. Improvements in ecosystem services from investments in natural capital. Science 352: 1455–1459. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.aaf2295.

    CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  • Primavera, J.H. 1997. Socio-economic aspects of shrimp culture. Aquaculture Research 28: 815–827. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2109.1997.00946.x.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Primavera, J.H. 2005. Mangroves, fish ponds and the quest for sustainability. Science 310: 57–59. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1115179.

    CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  • Qin, B.Q., P.Z. Xu, Q.L. Wu, L.C. Luo, and Y.L. Zhang. 2007. Environmental issues of Lake Taihu. Hydrobiologia 581: 3–14. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10750-006-0521-5.

    CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  • Qin, B.Q., G.W. Zhu, G. Gao, Y.L. Zhang, W. Li, H.W. Paerl, and W.W. Carmichael. 2010. A drinking water crisis in China: Linkage to climatic variability and lake management. Environmental Management 45: 105–112. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00267-009-9393-6.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Samples, S. 2014. Towards a more sustainable production of fish as an important protein source for human nutrition. Journal of Fisheries & Livestock Production 2: 119. https://doi.org/10.4172/2332-2608.1000119.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sastry, P.S. 1985. Lipids of nervous tissue: Composition and metabolism. Progress in Lipid Research 24: 69–176. https://doi.org/10.1016/0163-7827(85)90011-6.

    CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  • Siriwardhana, N., N.S. Kalupahana, and N. Moustaid-Moussa. 2012. Health benefits of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids: Eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid. Advances in Food Nutrition Research 65: 211–222. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-416003-3.00013-5.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Song, C., J. Chen, X. Ge, W. Wu, L. Fan, S. Meng, and G. Hu. 2011. The control of nitrogen and phosphorus to Tilapia fish pond by floating-bed-grown Water Spinach (Ipomoea aquatica). Chinese Agricultural Science Bulletin 27: 70–75 (In Chinese with English abstract).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Subasinghe, R., D. Soto, and J. Jia. 2009. Global aquaculture and its role in sustainable development. Reviews in Aquaculture 1: 2–9. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1753-5131.2008.01002.x.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Subasinghe, R.P., J.R. Arthur, D.M. Bartley, S.S. De Silva, M. Halwart, N. Hishamunda, C.V. Mohan, and P. Sorgeloos. 2012. Farming the waters for people and food. In Global Conference on Aquaculture 2010 (proceedings of the global conference on aquaculture 2010, Phuket, 22–25 September, 2010). FAO, Rome, Italy and NACA, Bangkok, Thailand.

  • Tacon, A.G.J., M. Metian, G.M. Turchini, and S.S. De Silva. 2010. Responsible aquaculture and trophic level implications to global fish supply. Reviews in Fisheries Science 18: 94–105. https://doi.org/10.1080/10641260903325680.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tacon, A.G.J., and M. Metian. 2013. Fish matters: Importance of aquatic foods in human nutrition and global food supply. Reviews in Fisheries Science 21: 22–38. https://doi.org/10.1080/10641262.2012.753405.

    CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tang, Q.S., D. Han, Y.Z. Mao, W.B. Zhang, and X.J. Shan. 2016. Species composition, non-fed rate and trophic level of Chinese aquaculture. Journal of Fishery Sciences of China 23: 729–762 (In Chinese with English abstract).

    Google Scholar 

  • Tang, Q.S., and H. Liu. 2016. Strategy for carbon sink and its amplification in marine fisheries. Engineering Sciences 18: 68–73 (In Chinese with English abstract).

    Google Scholar 

  • Thomas, Y., C. Courties, Y.E. Helwe, A. Herbland, and H. Lemonnier. 2010. Spatial and temporal extension of eutrophication associated with shrimp farm wastewater discharges in the New Caledonia lagoon. Marine Pollution Bulletin 61: 387–398. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2010.07.005.

    CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  • Troell, M., R.L. Naylor, M. Metian, M. Beveridge, P.H. Tyedmers, C. Folke, K.J. Arrow, S. Barrett, et al. 2014. Does aquaculture add resilience to the global food system. PNAS 111: 13257–13263. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1404067111.

    CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  • Vance, E. 2015. Fishing for billions: How a small group of visionaries are trying to feed China—and save the world’s oceans. Scientific American 312: 52–59. https://doi.org/10.1038/scientificamerican0415-52.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wang, H.Z., H.J. Wang, X.M. Liang, and Y.D. Cui. 2006. Stocking models of Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir japonica sinensis) in Yangtze lakes. Aquaculture 255: 456–465.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wang, Q., L. Cheng, J. Liu, Z. Li, S. Xie, and S.S. De Silva. 2015. Freshwater Aquaculture in PR China: Trends and Prospects. Reviews in Aquaculture 7: 283–312. https://doi.org/10.1111/raq.12086.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wang, Q., Z. Li, Y. Lian, X. Du, S. Zhang, J. Liu, and S.S. De Silva. 2016a. Farming system transformation yields significant reduction in nutrient loading: Case study of Hongze Lake, Yangtze River Basin, China. Aquaculture 457: 109–117. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aquaculture.2016.02.025.

    CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wang, Q., J. Liu, S. Zhang, Y. Lian, H. Ding, X. Du, Z. Li, and S.S. De Silva. 2016b. Sustainable farming practices of the Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) around Hongze Lake, Lower Yangtze River Basin, China. Ambio 45: 361–373. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13280-015-0722-0.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Welcomme, R.L. 1988. International introductions of inland aquatic species. FAO, Fisheries Technical Paper 294, Rome, Italy.

  • World Bank. 2013. Fish to 2030: Prospects for fisheries and aquaculture. World Bank, Report No. 83177-GLB, Washington DC, USA.

  • World Fish Centre. 2011. Aquaculture, fisheries, poverty and food security. World Fish Centre, Working Paper 2011-65, Penang, Malaysia.

  • Xie, B., Z. Ding, and X. Wang. 2004. Impact of the intensive shrimp farming on the water quality of the adjacent coastal creeks from Eastern China. Marine Pollution Bulletin 48: 543–553. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2003.10.006.

    CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  • Xie, B., and K. Yu. 2007. Shrimp farming in China: Operating characteristics, environmental impact and perspectives. Ocean and Coastal Management 50: 538–550. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2007.02.006.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Xie, J., L. Hu, J. Tang, X. Wu, N. Li, Y. Yuan, H. Yang, J. Zhang, et al. 2011. Ecological mechanisms underlying the sustainability of the agricultural heritage rice–fish coculture system. PNAS 108: 1381–1387. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1111043108.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Xiong, W., X. Sui, S.H. Liang, and Y. Chen. 2015. Non-native freshwater species in China. Reviews in Fish Biology and Fisheries 25: 651–687. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11160-015-9396-8.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yan, Y., M. Liu, D. Yang, W. Zhang, H. An, Y.J. Wang, H.T. Xie, and X.D. Zhang. 2014. Effect of different rice-crab coculture modes on soil carbohydrates. Journal of Integrative Agriculture 13: 641–647. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2095-3119(13)60722-4.

    CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  • Youn, S.J., W.W. Taylor, A.J. Lynch, I.G. Cowx, T.D. Beard, D. Bartley, and F. Wu. 2014. Inland capture fishery contributions to global food security and threats to their future. Global Food Security 2: 142–148. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gfs.2014.09.005.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zeng, Q., X. Gu, X. Chen, and Z. Mao. 2013. The impact of Chinese mitten crab culture on water quality, sediment and the pelagic and macrobenthic community in the reclamation area of Guchenghu Lake. Fisheries Science 79: 689–697. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12562-013-0638-1.

    CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang, Y., A. Bleeker, and J. Liu. 2015. Nutrient discharge from China’s aquaculture industry and associated environmental impacts. Environment Research Letters. https://doi.org/10.1088/1748-9326/10/4/045002.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhang, J., L. Hu, W. Ren, L. Guo, J. Tang, M. Shu, and X. Chen. 2016. Rice-soft shell turtle coculture effects on yield and its environment. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment 224: 116–122. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agee.2016.03.045.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhao, S.Q., J.Y. Fang, S.L. Miao, B. Gu, S. Tao, C.H. Peng, and Z.Y. Tang. 2005. The 7-decade degradation of a large freshwater lake in Central Yangtze River, China. Environmental Science and Technology 39: 431–436. https://doi.org/10.1021/es0490875.

    CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhou, J., B. Qin, and X. Han. 2016. Effects of magnitude and persistence of turbulence on phytoplankton in Lake Taihu during summer cyanobacterial bloom. Aquatic Ecology 50: 197–208. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10452-016-9568-1.

    CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

This work was financially supported by the Science and Technology Service Network Initiative, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) (No. KFJ-SW-STS-145), State Special Fund for Agro-scientific Research in the Public Interest Project (No. 201303056) and the State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, China (No. 2016FBZ10). All of us are grateful to Dr Wen Xiong who willingly and unreservedly provided us information on non-native species used in freshwater aquaculture. The contribution of one of us (S.S. De Silva) was made when on a Visiting Professorship under the auspices of the CAS, tenable at the Institute of Hydrobiology, Wuhan. This support from the CAS is gratefully acknowledged.

Author information

Affiliations

  1. State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 7 South Donghu Road, Wuhan, 430072, Hubei, People’s Republic of China

    Qidong Wang, Zhongjie Li, Jian-Fang Gui, Jiashou Liu, Shaowen Ye & Jing Yuan

  2. National Research Centre for Freshwater Fisheries Engineering, 7 South Donghu Road, Wuhan, 430072, Hubei, People’s Republic of China

    Qidong Wang, Zhongjie Li, Jiashou Liu & Jing Yuan

  3. School of Life & Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Warrnambool, VIC, 3280, Australia

    Sena S. De Silva

Authors
  1. Qidong Wang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Zhongjie Li
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Jian-Fang Gui
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Jiashou Liu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Shaowen Ye
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Jing Yuan
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  7. Sena S. De Silva
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Jiashou Liu.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and Permissions

About this article

Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Wang, Q., Li, Z., Gui, JF. et al. Paradigm changes in freshwater aquaculture practices in China: Moving towards achieving environmental integrity and sustainability. Ambio 47, 410–426 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13280-017-0985-8

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Revised:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13280-017-0985-8

Keywords

  • Chemical usage
  • Farming systems
  • Food production
  • High-valued species
  • Indigenous species
  • Paradigm changes