China’s carp aquaculture represents the world’s largest aquaculture industry, producing over 20 million tonnes annually and accounting for 65% of global carp production, yet remains inadequately documented in international literature. This comprehensive study analyzes the sector’s evolution from traditional practices dating back to 6000 BC to modern intensive systems, examining its sustainability framework across economic, social, and environmental dimensions.
The research reveals how China’s carp sector has transformed since 1978 through government support, technological innovation, and adaptive management. Pond-based systems dominate production, with yields increasing from 1,500 kg/ha in the 1990s to 7,830 kg/ha in 2022. The industry generates substantial economic value exceeding USD 48 billion while providing affordable protein to millions and supporting extensive value chains from seed production to retail distribution. However, intensification presents significant challenges. Environmental concerns include water pollution, eutrophication, and biodiversity impacts, addressed through stricter regulations and sustainable practices like polyculture systems and integrated rice-fish farming. Social considerations encompass smallholder participation, aging farmer demographics, and community engagement. Economic pressures include disease outbreaks causing losses of USD 58.9 billion annually, rising input costs, market volatility, and shifting consumer preferences toward higher-value species. Key success factors identified include robust property rights incentivizing farmer investment, extensive technical training programs, improved germplasm resources, government subsidies and infrastructure development, and adaptive responses to environmental regulations. The study demonstrates how traditional aquaculture can be modernized while respecting ecological boundaries, offering transferable lessons for global aquaculture development, particularly regarding sustainable intensification in smallholder-dominated systems and balancing economic growth with environmental protection.