Chinese aquaculture in light of green growth

• Over the last half a century Chinese aquaculture has witnessed both highlights and pains.
• It is the major contributor for aquatic products supplier in China, while it has developed at the cost of environment.
• A review of Chinese aquaculture development history illustrates the highlights and pains.
• Various measures have been taken to enhance green growth for Chinese aquaculture.
• Policies have been oriented to develop aquaculture sustainability and productivity.
• Institutional and legal frameworks are further enhanced to regulate and manage aquaculture towards green growth.
• Outlook into the future green growth of Chinese aquaculture is given in the light of “The 12th Five-year Plan for Chinese Fishery”.

Over China’s long history of aquaculture development, great achievements have been made by enhancing aquaculture as the major contributor to aquatic products supply, while lessons have also been learnt that aquaculture has been developing at the cost of environment. Priority is now given to the aquaculture development in the light of green growth, which attaches importance to both environment protection and high productivity. To sustain Chinese aquaculture in a green-growth manner, polices changes have been made, a comprehensive legal framework has been developed, and an organized institutional framework has been set up. The extension of science and technology also serves as the back-up for green growth in Chinese aquaculture. Chinese aquaculture is still confronted with various challenges, while green growth will be the key to a more responsible and prosperous aquaculture industry in China.