Current status and policy recommendations for the development of China’s fishery-photovoltaic complementary industry

The fishery-photovoltaic (PV) complementary model has been rapidly promoted in China as a promising solution to address the increasing conflict between land scarcity for renewable energy expansion and the protection of agricultural/aquaculture resources. However, the industry’s sustainable development is hindered by challenges. This study conducted a systematic field survey of 12 representative fishery-PV complementary bases across four provinces/municipalities to investigate the current status and regional differentiation of development models. The results reveal significant regional diversification in development pathways: refined co-culture systems in Jiangsu, high-tech three-dimensional aquaculture in Shanghai, innovative land-based circular pond systems in Guangxi, and large-scale industrialized building-integrated PV (BIPV) factory systems in Shandong. Comparative analysis indicates that successful integration is associated with several key factors, including moderate shading rates, adequate PV panel heights, sufficient row spacing, the implementation of dual aeration systems, and the selection of shade-tolerant species such as Chinese mitten crab ( Eriocheir sinensis ) and Australian red claw crayfish ( Cherax quadricarinatus ). In contrast, projects with excessive shading rates or inadequate technical adaptation experienced significant declines in aquaculture productivity. These findings highlight the urgent need for evidence-based technical specifications and adaptive management practices to balance energy generation and aquaculture productivity. Based on the findings, policy recommendations are proposed, including strengthening technology R&D and extension, systematically screening shade-tolerant species, formulating national technical specifications, and establishing whole-process supervision and evaluation mechanisms to ensure the synergistic and sustainable development of the fishery-PV complementary industry in China and globally.