Sustainable farming practices of the Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) around Hongze Lake,lower Yangtze River Basin,China

Results of a survey of 156 Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) grow-out farms around Hongze Lake(118.48–118.72°E; 33.36–33.38°N) are reported. Area farmed has remained relativelyunchanged but production (59 932 t in 2012)increased steadily over the last 7 years, indicative of the viability andsustainability of the farming system that has gradually replaced intensive Chinesemajor carp polyculture around Hongze Lake. Results showed that production range was135–2400 kg ha⁻¹ cycle⁻¹(mean 1144 ± 34). Crab yields correlated linearly to stocking density and conformedto a normal distribution curve, with 66.7 % of farms yielding900 kg ha⁻¹ cycle⁻¹ or more.Yield was negatively correlated to pond size and capture size (p < 0.01), and farms with macrophyte coverage ratelower than 30 % of water surface were significantly (p < 0.05) lower than those exceeding 30 %.

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