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

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. For the sake of long-term sustainability of aquaculture, the Chinese freshwater aquaculture sector has introduced major paradigm changes such as prohibition of fertilization in large water bodies, introduction of stringent standards on nutrients in effluent and encouragement of practices that strip nutrients among others. This study highlights and applauds China's steps towards a more sustainable aquaculture sector.