Opportunities and Challenges in the current aquaculture practices on waterbirds, using coastal Jiangsu as an example

Abstract

The coastal wetlands in the Jiangsu Province are located along the East Asian Australasian Flyway, supporting significant populations of migratory waterbirds while also hosting extensive aquaculture ponds resulting from decades of coastal reclamation. As natural intertidal wetlands decline, aquaculture ponds increasingly function as potential substitute habitats; however, their ecological value depends largely on farmers’ management practices and willingness to accommodate biodiversity. However, despite their potential importance, there is still limited understanding of how aquaculture ponds support migratory waterbirds under different management strategies. This study examines the interactions between aquaculture operations and migratory waterbird use from the perspective of local fish farmers. Through 32 structured interviews and participant observation conducted in Lianyungang, Yancheng, and Nantong, in Jiangsu Province, China. The research explores daily aquaculture practices, perceptions of waterbirds, and attitudes toward fishery–photovoltaic integration projects. The results indicate that water-level management is primarily driven by production needs such as harvesting cycles, disease prevention, and cost control. Although seasonal pond drawdowns in autumn and winter occasionally create shallow-water conditions suitable for foraging waterbirds, these habitat opportunities are incidental and temporary rather than conservation-oriented. Most fishermen perceive waterbirds as sources of disturbance, feed loss, and potential disease transmission, while awareness of conservation regulations remains limited. Due to the fact that aquaculture ponds are not clearly covered under current wetland protection frameworks, creating a policy gap in the promotion of wildlife-friendly practices. Attitudes toward photovoltaic integration are mixed, balancing perceived technical and environmental benefits against concerns about land occupation, governance transparency, and limited participation in decision making. The findings reveal tensions between conservation and livelihoods and suggest that effective solutions should support farmers’ economic needs while protecting migratory waterbirds.