Shrimp farming in China: Operating characteristics, environmental impact and perspectives

China has been one of the world's largest shrimp producers since 1988. Although the industry suffered disease outbreaks and environmental problems, shrimp farming has recently seen a rapid expansion in China. This study provides some necessary background to shrimp aquaculture in China. It focuses briefly on the operating characteristics of shrimp aquaculture. Emphasis is placed on the shrimp farming impact on the environment. The promising strategy for reductions in nutrient release from shrimp aquaculture is analyzed. The effective management measures to resolve or mitigate the adverse environmental impact of shrimp farming development have now become necessary and urgent. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.