A Social–Technical–Ecological Systems Analysis of Sustainable Development Paths for Marine Ranching in Guangdong Province, China

Abstract

Marine ranching, an emerging paradigm in sustainable fisheries, integrates technological, social, and ecological dimensions through a social–technical–ecological systems (STESs) framework to enhance ecosystem resilience and resource governance. This study proposes a comprehensive STESs-based framework and applies it to 15 demonstration sites in Guangdong Province, China, to explore the dynamic interplay among technological innovation, stakeholder engagement, fisheries governance, ecosystem health, biodiversity, and community participation. Through regression analyses and descriptive statistics, we quantified these multi-layered interactions. The study’s findings reveal significant correlations that underscore the importance of integrated approaches to marine ranching sustainability. Notably, stakeholder engagement is strongly linked to technological adoption (r = 0.58), suggesting that inclusive decision-making processes can drive the uptake of innovative, sustainable technologies. Furthermore, technological adoption is positively correlated with ecosystem health (r = 0.62), highlighting the potential for sustainable technologies to enhance marine ecosystem well-being. Community participation emerges as a critical factor in biodiversity conservation (r = 0.71), emphasizing the value of collaborative conservation efforts. Additionally, the strong predictive relationship between marine biodiversity and water quality (β = 0.85, p = 0.001) underscores the importance of preserving biodiversity for maintaining good water quality, which is fundamental to the health and sustainability of marine ranching systems. These insights collectively support the development of holistic management strategies that integrate social, technological, and ecological dimensions to promote the resilience and sustainability of marine ranching. These results underscore the crucial roles of participatory governance, sustainable fishery practices, and biodiversity protection in strengthening the ecological resilience of marine ranching systems.

1. Introduction

As a new paradigm in the marine sector, marine ranching is rapidly emerging as a transformative strategy, as evidenced by a growing body of global scholarly research and increasing practical implementation efforts. This strategy seeks to bolster and rehabilitate fish stocks within designated sea areas through artificial nurseries, the deployment of fish reefs, and the development of ecological aquaculture sites. In China, whose maritime traditions span thousands of years, such initiatives present a deliberate pathway to safeguard marine biodiversity, create income opportunities for coastal fishers, and advance the concept of a marine ecological civilization. Meanwhile, global economic expansion and demographic growth are driving up the consumption of animal protein and seafood [1]; yet, rampant overfishing has precipitated widespread resource depletion, habitat degradation, and climate-driven stress in marine environments. The overfishing of traditional marine fisheries can exacerbate the depletion of aquatic resources and undermine fisheries’ sustainability. In addition, external stressors, such as extreme weather events, ocean warming, acidification, and eutrophication, may adversely affect the growth of cultured species and increase vulnerability to disease outbreaks [2,3]. The rising global seafood demand, coupled with the limitations of traditional fisheries, has led to overfishing, resource depletion, and ecosystem degradation [4,5]. As a response, marine ranching (MR) offers a sustainable alternative for coastal fisheries development [6]. By constructing artificial reefs, releasing hatchery-reared species, and designating managed aquaculture zones, MR restores marine habitats and supports reproduction, feeding, and refuge for aquatic species. This approach not only enhances fishery yields but also strengthens marine ecosystem’s resilience and promotes the sustainable use of ocean resources [7,8].

To accelerate the development of MR, major maritime nations have implemented a range of strategic initiatives throughout the 21st century. Notably, the 2017 “Marine Science and Technology Research and Development Plan” advocates for high-quality MR construction and the advancement of sustainable fisheries. In South Korea, MR development dates back to the mid to late 1990s, with the formulation of the “Small-Scale Coastal Ranching Project Plan”, followed by the “Long-Term Development Plan for South Korean Marine Ranching (2008–2030)”. Similarly, Norway’s enactment of the “Ocean Ranching Act” in 2001 and the European Union’s release of the “European Marine Biotechnology Roadmap” in 2016 have furthered conservation-oriented and sustainable fishing practices. China has also made modern MR development a strategic priority. Foundational documents, such as “Strategic Research on China’s Marine Ranching Development” [9] and “National Marine Ranching Demonstration Areas Construction Plan (2017–2025)” [10], issued by the Ministry of Agriculture, have laid the policy groundwork for nationwide MR promotion since 2017.

Global MR development faces significant economic, environmental, and social challenges, closely tied to the broader goals of sustainable development [11]. Economically, MR construction and operations entail substantial costs. Achieving a balance between investment and return while ensuring long-term profitability remains difficult. Key challenges include the transformation of fishermen’s occupational identities, the improvement of livelihoods, dependence on government subsidies, and the complexity of insurance mechanisms [12,13]. Environmentally, MR development in nearshore or deep-sea zones may introduce risks, such as water pollution, the disruption of benthic ecosystems, and imbalances in marine biodiversity.

MR serves as a key indicator of progress in reconciling environmental conservation with the sustainable use of ocean resources. The literature further underscores MR as a critical vehicle for promoting marine economic growth and fostering marine ecological civilization [14]. The concept of ecological civilization encompasses ecosystem protection, pollution control, and enhanced efficiency in natural resource utilization, aiming to integrate these principles across economic, political, social, and cultural domains [15]. As such, achieving the sustainable development of MR is essential for the global realization of sustainable development goals and the responsible governance of maritime space and resources.

Socially, MR construction may collide with local folk practices, beliefs, and fishing culture, leading to reduced community acceptability. Projects employ locals and fishermen but may also cause competition and unequal resource allocation [16,17]. Effectively communicating and collaborating with local coastal communities, involving them in decision-making, and directly integrating them into marine ranching development, especially cultural, tourism, and fishing integration, are crucial.

The development of MR in Guangdong Province is confronted with problems and challenges, mirroring common issues that are likely to arise in the future development of modern marine ranching. These challenges underscore the need for a paradigm shift in the construction of MRs, one that prioritizes harmony with the natural environment and promotes a civilized and sustainable form of development. As China strives to build maritime power and construct a marine ecological civilization, the development of modern marine ranching must align with the fundamental principles of sustainability and environmental stewardship. This entails adopting a development approach that not only acknowledges the intricate relationships between human societies and the marine environment but also seeks to promote equality and balance in these relationships. In this context, this study analyzes and discusses sustainability issues in constructing MR. Most MRs face more difficult financing issues than traditional small and medium-sized enterprises [18]. This work demonstrates the MR analysis across 15 sites in Guangdong Province, using social–technical–ecological systems that integrate economic, energy, ecological, and social criteria.

Issue 1: Environmental Impacts.

Aquaculture facilities, jetties, and seawalls are needed to build MR. The marine ecosystem’s biodiversity and health are threatened by habitat deterioration, sedimentation, and water pollution. Large economic returns without long-term ecological growth have caused environmental damage in certain limited aquaculture zones. Seawalls may disrupt coastal processes, causing erosion and marine habitat loss. MR developers can mitigate this issue by using eco-friendly materials for infrastructure development, reducing sedimentation and water pollution, and conducting environmental impact assessments to identify hazards and develop mitigation strategies.

Issue 2: Resource Depletion.

MRs need feed, energy, water, and other resources. If the MR is not regulated and built responsibly, this may deplete resources. If not properly managed, MRs may pollute the marine environment by creating significant amounts of rubbish, including plastics, other debris, and fish feces. MR developers can reduce fossil fuel use by using sustainable feed management practices, including locally sourced and sustainable feed ingredients, renewable energy sources like solar or wind power, and efficient waste management systems like recycling and composting.

Issue 3: Social Impacts.

MR construction and operation may relocate traditional fishing villages, reduce livelihoods, raise competition for water and land, and harm local culture and history. Guangdong has unique fishing customs, such as the Fishing Opening Festival and Danjia [19]. MR tourism activities have not focused on these cultural components. MR developers can work with local communities during planning and development to address their needs, create programs to boost local livelihoods and economic development, and preserve local cultural sites and traditions.

These multifaceted issues must be addressed systematically to promote balanced and sustainable MR development. MR requires interdisciplinary research since marine aquaculture is complicated and multiscale [20]. A few researchers have examined marine resource development. To build novel marine resource sustainable development models based on maritime net-zero energy and complete mariculture resource usage, offshore structures incorporating wind power functions into marine ranching have been researched [21]. Chen proposes an updated MR to improve marine biological resources and fishery trends in line with China’s sustainable development objectives [22]. Increasing research in digital technologies, including the Internet of Things, computer vision, and blockchain, has made MR unmanned, high-quality, and environmentally friendly [23]. Marine aquaculture is driven by ecosystem services and linked to society and ecosystems. Weitzman and Johnson used a social–ecological system paradigm to develop resource systems, resource units, actors, and governance systems to drive interdisciplinary marine aquaculture research [24,25]. Hu describe MR as a sophisticated artificial ecosystem that sustainably develops marine resources and conserves oceanic ecosystems [26]. A systematic, top-level MR design framework is underexplored despite its potential.

1.1. Social–Technical–Ecological Systems (STESs)

This study analyzes the complexity of marine ranching sustainability using systems thinking methods and examines it through the social–technical–ecological systems (STESs) theoretical framework. The triple bottom line of sustainable development, which encompasses environmental, social, and economic domains, essentially refers to two typical Complex Adaptive Systems (CASs) [27].

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Social–ecological systems (SESs) [28] are focused on human–nature coupled systems, in which the environmental perspective dominates;

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Social–technical systems (STSs) [29] are focused on human–technology coupled systems, in which the economic (and engineering) perspective dominates.

Using social–ecological systems (SESs) analysis is a theoretical approach to investigating the complex relationships between human civilizations and the natural environment. This approach recognizes that human well-being is directly linked to the state of ecosystems; hence, it strives to understand how various systems interact and influence one another. Social–technical systems (STSs) analysis is a theoretical approach for analyzing the complex connections between the social and technological elements of a system. This approach recognizes that social environments surround technical, social, and technological aspects and interact with each other.

Both social–ecological systems analysis and social–technical systems analysis highlights the interconnectedness of human and environmental systems in marine space utilization. These approaches acknowledge the complexity of marine space use by incorporating diverse stakeholders, technological advancements, and environmental considerations. Both frameworks emphasize the significance of contextual knowledge, recognizing the unique social, economic, and environmental contexts of each marine area. Notably, social–technical systems research underscores the integration of social–ecological analysis with social–technical systems to address the environmental, social, and technological dimensions of marine space.

To conduct a study of the complex frameworks that form marine ranching, the frameworks of SESs and STSs were taken together and merged as the STESs. The STESs framework offered a systematic methodology, particularly highlighting the interconnections among the social, ecological, and technical elements of complex systems. This method was prioritized within the framework. The study’s approach integrated systems thinking, ecology, and technology to summarize the multifaceted sustainable development pathways for Marine Ranching Complexes (MRCs). The research technique emphasized the diversity of sustainable development pathways. To achieve the sustainable growth of marine ranching, the framework of the study acknowledged the significance of industrial transformation, the establishment of marine culture, and environmentally friendly marine activities. This proposed STESs framework acknowledges that the industrial transformation and upgrading of marine fisheries, the construction of marine culture, and the development of eco-friendly marine practices are key pathways to achieving the sustainable development of MR (Figure 1).

1.2. Objective

The objective of this study was to take a social–technical–ecological systems (STESs) approach to evaluating the development of marine ranching in Guangdong Province. This research establishes a comprehensive framework that integrates technological, social, and ecological dimensions to assess the sustainability of marine ranching systems. It investigates the correlations and interactions between stakeholder engagement, technological adoption, ecosystem health, biodiversity, community participation, and fisheries governance. This work examines the role of community participation in predicting biodiversity conservation and the importance of stakeholder engagement in promoting technological adoption. This research provides insights and recommendations for strengthening the ecological resilience of marine ranching systems through sustainable fishery practices, biodiversity protection, and participatory governance.

2. Materials and Methods

2.1. The Theoretical Framework: STESs

The STESs framework examines the interactions and influences of social, technical, and ecological components. It identifies feedback loops and assesses the resilience of the STESs to external shocks and internal changes. The STESs framework develops scenarios and strategies for sustainable marine ranching development, considering social, technical, and ecological dimensions. It also examines governance and management structures and identifies opportunities for improvement to support sustainable development. Figure 2 presents the social–technical–ecological interaction mechanism, and the STESs framework is presented in Figure 3.

2.2. Evaluation Framework of STESs Framework: Subsystem Analysis of Marine Ranching

The analysis of the sustainable development of MR in Guangdong Province is based on the framework of systems thinking (ST) and sustainable development (SD). In practical projects, ST guides the exploration of relationships within the system (background and connections), perspectives (the distinct views of various stakeholders), and boundaries (a consensus on the scope, scale, and potential factors for improvement). The “three pillars” of sustainability encompass economic sustainability—the ability of humans to sustain livelihoods through activities; social sustainability—the societal acceptance of specific activities; and environmental sustainability—the capacity to conduct activities without causing harmful damage to the environment, ensuring that the resources required for activities do not impact future use [30]. Within the framework of SD, MR is perceived as a complex integrated system consisting of three subsystems: economic, environmental, and social. This perspective aligns with the evaluation framework, with the three subsystems synergizing, influencing, and constraining each other, i.e., fishermen, ranch owners, and government agencies (Figure 4).

I. Fishermen’s Perspective.

The STESs framework analyzes the effects that marine ranching has on the livelihoods of fishermen, taking into account changes in fishing grounds, caught fish, and fishing gear. Specifically, it examines the effects that marine ranching has on the availability of marine resources for fishermen, such as fish, shellfish, and other types of seafood. The social advantages of marine ranching for fishermen are identified and evaluated using this paradigm. These benefits include job possibilities, the creation of money, and the development of communities.

II. Ranch Owners’ Perspective.

To determine whether or not marine ranching activities are financially feasible, the STESs approach takes into consideration factors such as profitability, investment returns, and the market demand. Through the utilization of factors like feed conversion ratios, mortality rates, and growth rates, it evaluates the technical efficiency of marine ranching businesses. To determine whether marine ranching activities are environmentally sustainable, this technique is helpful. In this evaluation, the management of waste, the purity of water, and the influence on habitat are all taken into consideration.

III. Government Agencies’ Perspective.

The efficacy of the laws and regulations that regulate marine ranching is evaluated using the STESs framework. This evaluation takes into account the influence that these policies and regulations have on the industry, the environment, and the communities that are located nearby. This evaluation determines whether or not the procedures for monitoring and enforcement are adequate. These mechanisms include inspections, surveillance, and sanctions for non-compliance. This report analyzes the amount of money that has been invested in research and development for marine ranching, taking into account finance, infrastructure, and the ability of human resources.

The STESs framework is a useful tool for gaining a comprehensive understanding of the myriads of interactions and interdependencies that are present throughout marine ranching systems (Figure 5). Since the social, technical, and environmental components are interdependent on one another, this notion recognizes that changes in a single component may have a significant impact on the system as a whole. Residents in the surrounding area, as well as government agencies, ranchers, and fishermen, are all included in the social component of marine ranching projects. The technical and environmental components of marine ranching are influenced by their methods, their competence, and the way they live their lives, respectively. Within the realm of technical factors, supply chain management, operations management, infrastructure, and technology are all included. When employed in conjunction with one another, these components make it possible to generate aquatic life and seafood. The ecological component includes habitat, biodiversity, water quality, and ecosystem services. It also includes the following: To maintain the resilience and health of marine ecosystems, several ecological components contribute to their maintenance. Both the interactions and the interdependencies that exist between these components are of the utmost importance. Human–environmental interactions affect the quality of water and the health of habitats; social–technical connections affect the design and operation of infrastructure; and ecological–social interactions affect the livelihoods and well-being of communities that are located near the area. Understanding and controlling the social, technological, and environmental aspects of marine ranching may be accomplished through the framework of marine ranching systems, which offers a comprehensive approach. At long last, this method makes it possible to construct resilient and sustainable marine ranching systems that strike a compromise between protecting the ecosystem and meeting the requirements of humans. The intricate relationships that exist between the various elements that make up a marine ranching system are taken into account by this model. From the output perspective, MR supplies people with high-protein food, improves seafood safety, enhances marine ecological environments, and indirectly contributes to ocean carbon sequestration through population enhancement [31].

2.3. Study Area

The scale of marine ranching construction in Guangdong Province has continuously expanded in recent years. By the end of 2022, Guangdong Province had established 15 National Marine Ranching Demonstration Areas (NMDAs), mainly focusing on conservation-oriented MR. The total sea area used for NMDAs is 1250.45 km², with a total investment in reef construction reaching 1.2762 million m³. Guangdong Province ranks first in the country regarding the number of conservation-oriented NMDAs (

Table 1. NMDAs in Guangdong Province.

No.	Name of Demonstration Area	Year of Approval	Sea Area (km2)	Volume of Artificial Reef (×104 m3)	Investment Scale (10,000 CNY)
1	NMDA in the Wanshan Sea Area	2015 (Batch 1)	312.00	6.27	2100
2	NMDA in the East Sea Area of Guiling Island	2015 (Batch 1)	20.28	6.51	3150
3	NMDA in the Nan’ao Island Sea Area	2016 (Batch 2)	30.00	5.50	2500
4	NMDA in the West Sea Area of Zhalangjiao, Shanwei	2016 (Batch 2)	21.00	5.30	2600
5	NMDA in the Jinxiang South Sea Area, Lufeng	2017 (Batch 3)	32.00	4.90	2500
6	NMDA in the Yangjiang Shanwaidong Sea Area	2017 (Batch 3)	68.00	4.70	2600
7	NMDA in the Dafangji Island Sea Area, Maoming	2017 (Batch 3)	33.08	5.99	2600
8	NMDA in the Jianghong Sea Area, Suixi	2017 (Batch 3)	67.00	3.84	2500
9	NMDA in the Sea Area of Luzhou Island, Zhanjiang	2018 (Batch 4)	4.38	4.26	2500
10	NMDA in the Wailingding Sea Area, Zhuhai	2018 (Batch 4)	9.83	3.80	2228
11	NMDA in the Dapeng Bay Sea Area, Shenzhen	2018 (Batch 4)	7.48	2.76	1750
12	NMDA in the Xiaoxingshan Sea Area, Huizhou	2019 (Batch 5)	9.60	2.85	1850
13	NMDA in the Wind Power Fusion Sea Area, Qingzhou Island, Yangxi	2019 (Batch 5)	497.30	40.80	2000
14	NMDA in the Bomao Sea Area, Wuchuan	2019 (Batch 5)	19.40	2.57	1750
15	CGN NMDA in the Sea Area of Nanpeng Island, Yangjiang	2021 (Batch 7)	119.10	27.56	2350
Total			1250.45	127.62	34,978

). By 2022, a total of 170 NMDAs are expected to be established nationwide. These areas will be applied for by establishment units, undergo preliminary review and recommendation by provincial fishery authorities, and finally be reviewed and announced by the Ministry of Agriculture.

In 2022, the composition of Guangdong Province’s marine GDP by sector showed the following distribution: primary industries (dominated by marine fishing and aquaculture) contributed 3%, secondary industries accounted for 32%, and tertiary industries represented 65%. Compared to 2021, the tertiary sector’s contribution declined by 2.5 percentage points. Guangdong Province, with its 420,000 km² of marine area and strategic geographical advantages, presents an ideal case for such research. The region boasts rich marine biodiversity, advanced logistical infrastructure, and a thriving maritime economy. According to the Guangdong Provincial Department of Natural Resources, the province’s marine product value reached CNY 1.8 trillion in 2022, accounting for 19.1% of China’s total, reinforcing its 28-year leadership in marine economic planning. To achieve this, a sample of 15 NMDAs in Guangdong was selected for analysis using a multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) with IBM SPSS V30. The MCA technique was employed to uncover patterns and relationships between the annual evaluation indicators and the functional capabilities of the NMDA.

Guangdong Province has four operational marine ranching platforms, including the “Penghu”, the nation’s first semi-submersible wave energy aquaculture cage; “Dehai No. 1”, a floating-and-truss hybrid, intelligent aquaculture platform; and Haiwei No. 1 and No. 2, which are both semi-submersible, truss-type, intelligent aquaculture platforms. MRs can be divided into three categories according to their functions: conservation, proliferation, and leisure. Currently, Guangdong’s NMDAs are all public welfare conservation types, and the benefits for the fishery industry have not yet been highlighted (Figure 6).

2.4. Case Study

This study performed an on-site examination of the Haiwei Agricultural Group in the Leizhou Peninsula, Zhanjiang City, Guangdong Province, and engaged in discussions with Liu Ding, the Chairman of the Haiwei Group, and Wu Zuxue, the Head of the Aquaculture Department, yielding insights into the deep-sea aquaculture platforms “Haiwei No. 1 and No. 2”, which were developed and implemented by the Guangdong Province Haiwei Agricultural Group in 2022.

The former, with a sturdy steel frame, has a water capacity of up to 14,000 m³ and is durable enough to endure the severe effects of a typhoon at intensity level 15. It has successfully produced over 30,000 black mandarin fish, with an expected total output value of CNY 50 million by the end of 2024. “Haiwei No. 2”, as an enhanced version, has the shape of a semi-submersible, truss-type, intelligent aquaculture platform for fisheries. This platform represents a significant investment of CNY 30 million, including a water capacity above 30,000 m³, with an expected annual production value of CNY 70 million.

The strategic ambitions of the Haiwei Group extend beyond these aquatic platforms to include the development of nearby seed breeding and seafood processing facilities. This initiative represents a holistic industry framework, encompassing marine fish species cultivation in seawater. In an interview with Zuxue Wu, the manager of the marine aquaculture department at the Haiwei Group, it was revealed that labor costs have been significantly reduced by 60%. Previously, 10 individuals were required to manage and operate the aquaculture platforms and cages; now, only 4 individuals are needed to perform the same tasks, alleviating the operational burden on fishermen involved in maritime endeavors.

3. Results

3.1. Multiple Correspondence Analysis: Functional Diversity

The results of the MCA revealed a significant positive correlation between NMDAs with multiple functions and higher evaluation ratings. This suggests that NMDAs that possess a diverse range of functional capabilities tend to perform better in terms of their annual evaluation ratings. Specifically, the analysis identified two key dimensions that underpin the relationship between functional capabilities and evaluation ratings. Dimension 1 represents the quality of the annual evaluation, while Dimension 2 reflects the presence of specific functionalities such as Marine Renewable Energy (MRE), leisure tourism, digital management, deep processing, and modern marine platforms. A closer examination of the results shows that NMDAs with a higher number of functions tend to have better evaluation ratings. This is evident in the concentration of the samples on the left side of the graph (Figure 7), which indicates that NMDAs with multiple functions are more likely to achieve higher evaluation ratings.

Table 2. The range of values for w.r.t variables for the Guangdong Province NMDAs dataset.

Variable	Description	Range of Values
Annual Evaluation Rating	Evaluation rating of demonstration zones	1–5
Number of Functions	Number of functions present in each demonstration zone	1–6
Marine Renewable Energy Utilization	Presence of MRE utilization	0–1
Leisure Tourism	Presence of leisure tourism functionality	0–1
Digital Management	Presence of digital management functionality	0–1
Deep Processing	Presence of deep processing functionality	0–1
Modern Marine Platforms	Presence of modern marine platforms functionality	0–1
Demonstration Zone Location	Location of demonstration zones (coastal/inland)	Coastal/inland
Demonstration Zone Size	Size of demonstration zones (ha)	100–5000
Investment in Demonstration Zones	Investment in demonstration zones (million CNY)	10–500

presents the range of values for the w.r.t variables for the Guangdong Province marine ranching NMDA dataset across 15 sites.

1. Annual evaluation rating: provides an evaluation rating of NMDAs, likely assessing their performance, impact, or success. The range of values is 1–5, suggesting a Likert scale or a rating system, where higher values indicate a better performance. It is based on internal evaluations or assessments conducted by relevant authorities or organizations managing the NMDAs.

2. Number of functions: describes the number of functions present in each NMDA, such as tourism, renewable energy, or industrial activities. The range of values is 1–6, indicating that NMDAs may have a variety of functions, with some having more diverse activities than others. It is derived from project documents, zone management reports, or site assessments.

3. Marine Renewable Energy (MRE) utilization: describes the presence or absence of MRE utilization in the NMDA. The range of values is 0–1, where 0 indicates absence and 1 indicates presence. It is based on the reports on renewable energy projects, zone development plans, or energy utilization assessments.

4. Leisure tourism: describes the presence or absence of leisure tourism functionality in the NMDA. The range of values is 0–1, where 0 indicates absence and 1 indicates presence. It is based on tourism development plans, zone management reports, or visitor statistics.

5. Digital management: describes the presence or absence of digital management functionality in the NMDA. The range of values is 0–1, where 0 indicates absence and 1 indicates presence. It is based on reports on digital infrastructure, zone management systems, or technology adoption assessments.

6. Deep processing: describes the presence or absence of deep processing functionality in the NMDA, possibly related to industrial or manufacturing activities. The range of values is 0–1, where 0 indicates absence and 1 indicates presence. It is based on industrial development plans, zone management reports, or production statistics.

7. Modern marine platforms: describes the presence or absence of modern marine platforms functionality in the NMDA. The range of values is 0–1, where 0 indicates absence and 1 indicates presence. It is based on reports on marine infrastructure, zone development plans, or platform utilization assessments.

8. NMDA location: describes the location, categorized as coastal or inland. The range of values is coastal/inland, indicating a categorical distinction based on the geographical location. It is based on geographical data, zone development plans, or location assessments.

9. NMDA size: describes the size of the demonstration zone in hectares (ha). The range of values is 100–5000 ha, indicating significant variation in the size of demonstration zones. It is based on zone development plans, geographical data, or land use assessments.

10. Investment in NMDA: describes the investment in the NMDA, measured in million Chinese Yuan (CNY). The range of values is CNY 10–500 million, indicating a wide range of investment levels across the NMDAs. It is based on financial reports, investment plans, or funding allocations for NMDAs.

For the statistical study, the social–economic data sources were extracted from the Guangdong Province Statistical Yearbook (2010–2020) (https://www.chinayearbooks.com/categories/local/guangdong, accessed on 7 May 2025), the National Bureau of Statistics of China (NBS) (https://www.stats.gov.cn/english/Statisticaldata/yearbook/, accessed on 7 May 2025), and the Guangdong Province Government Website (for policy documents and reports) (http://com.gd.gov.cn/en/Policies/, accessed on 7 May 2025). The technical data sources were extracted from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) of China (https://www.fao.org/4/y2257e/y2257e04.htm, accessed on 7 May 2025) and the Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences (CAFS) (https://gfair.network/content/chinese-academy-fishery-sciences-cafs, accessed on 7 May 2025). The ecological data sources were extracted from the Guangdong Province Environmental Protection Bureau (for water quality and pollution data) (https://www.fao.org/faolex/results/details/en/c/LEX-FAOC051217/, accessed on 7 May 2025) and the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) (for biodiversity and ecosystem data) (https://english.cas.cn/newsroom/cas_media/202205/t20220526_305789.shtml, accessed on 7 May 2025).

3.2. Aspects of the Social–Technical–Ecological Systems (STESs) Framework

Social Aspects

Various stakeholder categories, like fishermen (40%), local communities (24%), government agencies (16%), NGOs (12%), and private companies (8%), have been studied to analyze the social aspect of STESs. Of the local communities, 75% are involved in marine ranching decision-making. The satisfaction level with current management practices is 60%. The average number of connections per stakeholder is 0.56. The average proportion of the shortest paths passing through each stakeholder is 0.56.

Technical Aspects

The adoption rate of sustainable marine ranching technologies is 80%. The average investment in technology per operator is CNY 500,000, with 15 marine ranching sites and an average capacity of 500 tons per year per facility.

Ecological Aspects

The ecosystem’s health is monitored through the water quality index and the biodiversity index. The water quality index is 7.5, and the biodiversity index is 0.85. The average catch rate for marine ranching operators is 200 kg per day, and 90% of the catch is sold through sustainable supply chains.

3.3. Correlation Analysis of Social–Technical–Ecological Interactions

Table 3. Correlation coefficient values of social–technical–ecological interactions.

Parameter	Correlation Value
Correlation coefficient between stakeholder engagement and technology adoption	0.58
Correlation coefficient between ecosystem health and fisheries management	0.62
Correlation coefficient between biodiversity and community engagement	0.71

presents the correlation coefficients among key social–technical–ecological variables in the context of marine ranching. A correlation of 0.58 between stakeholder engagement and technology adoption indicates a moderate positive relationship. This suggests that the greater involvement of stakeholders tends to promote the higher acceptance and implementation of new technologies. In marine ranching, this relationship implies that involving local communities, enterprises, and regulatory bodies in decision-making processes can enhance the relevance, usability, and social acceptance of technological innovations. A stronger correlation of 0.62 is observed between fisheries management and ecosystem health, suggesting that improvements in ecological conditions are closely linked to more effective fisheries governance. This implies that sustainable fishing practices, habitat management, and resource monitoring contribute directly to ecological resilience. The highest correlation value, 0.71, is found between biodiversity and community engagement. This strong association suggests that engaged communities tend to support higher levels of biodiversity. In marine ranching contexts, this may reflect the role of local knowledge and stewardship in biodiversity conservation, such as participation in coral restoration, habitat protection, and species monitoring. Active community participation fosters shared responsibility and contributes to the long-term ecological and social sustainability of marine ranching systems.

3.4. Statistical Analysis

This study employs a combination of descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation analysis, and linear regression modeling to quantitatively explore the inter-relationships among social, technical, and ecological variables in the context of marine ranching. These methods allow for the identification of statistical associations, the strength of relationships, and predictive influences between key indicators, such as fisheries management, water quality, and biodiversity.

Table 4. Descriptive statistics.

Indicator	Mean	Std. Dev.	Min	Max	Skewness	Kurtosis
Fisheries management (CNY)	15.62 billion	3.21 billion	10.50 billion	20.50 billion	0.41	0.73
Water quality index	79.25	5.12	72.10	85.40	−0.25	0.42
Marine biodiversity index	0.88	0.11	0.75	0.98	−0.18	0.31

summarizes the descriptive statistics of key indicators relevant to marine ranching operations. The average value for fisheries management investment is CNY 15.62 billion, with a standard deviation of CNY 3.21 billion, ranging from CNY 10.50 billion to CNY 20.50 billion. The distribution is slightly right-skewed (skewness = 0.41), indicating a concentration of lower investment levels with fewer higher outliers. The water quality index averages 79.25, with a standard deviation of 5.12, ranging from 72.10 to 85.40, and is slightly left-skewed (skewness = −0.25), indicating some concentration around higher-quality measurements. The marine biodiversity index shows an average value of 0.88, with a standard deviation of 0.11, ranging from 0.75 to 0.98, and is also slightly left-skewed (skewness = −0.18). All the indicators display moderate kurtosis, suggesting relatively normal distributions.

Table 5. Correlation analysis.

Indicator	Fisheries Management	Water Quality Index	Marine Biodiversity Index
Fisheries management	1	−0.81	0.75
Water quality index	−0.81	1	0.85
Marine biodiversity index	0.75	0.85	1

shows the correlation coefficients among the three indicators. A strong negative correlation (−0.81) exists between fisheries management and water quality, suggesting that areas with more intensive fisheries activities may experience lower water quality, likely due to pollution, overstocking, or habitat disruption. In contrast, fisheries management and marine biodiversity show a strong positive correlation (0.75), suggesting that well-managed fisheries practices may help maintain or enhance biodiversity. Water quality and biodiversity are also positively correlated (0.85), highlighting the interdependence between a healthy environment and species diversity.

Table 6. Regression analysis.

Model Relationship	Coefficient (β)	Std. Error	t-Value	p-Value
Fisheries Management with Water Quality Index	0.92	0.15	6.45	<0.001
Fisheries Management with Marine Biodiversity Index	0.85	0.10	8.56	<0.001

presents regression results to assess the predictive relationships between variables. The water quality index is a statistically significant predictor of fisheries management, with a standardized coefficient (β) of 0.92 (p < 0.001). This implies that a 1% improvement in water quality is associated with a 0.92% increase in effective fisheries management investments. Likewise, the marine biodiversity index is a significant predictor of water quality (β = 0.85, p < 0.001), suggesting that greater biodiversity contributes to improved water conditions, possibly through ecological balance and reduced eutrophication.

4. Discussion

Guangdong Province’s MR growth faces several concerns, which are anticipated to occur in the current MR development. These problems highlight the need for a paradigm shift in MR building. Modern marine ranching must be sustainable and environmentally friendly as China builds maritime power and a marine ecological civilization. Due to the enormous economic and ecological advantages provided by marine ranching, China has also steadily performed in-depth studies on marine ranching following exploration, and the popularity of this practice has been growing [32]. China has a natural geographical position advantage, with extensive sea areas and rich island resources, that is favorable to the large-scale development of marine ranching and has evident marine economic advantages.

Even though the building of China’s marine ranching industry has started to produce fruit, many urgent difficulties still need to be handled, including the advantages of modernized marine ranching, the technological system, and the integrated development model. Based on actively repairing and maintaining the ecological environment of marine ranching, the development model of marine ranching continuously improves the integration level of the first, second, and third industries of marine fisheries, thereby promoting the modernization of “whole region” marine ranching and the coordinated and sustainable development of the entire industry chain. The building of marine ranching in China is now being dominated by the development of comprehensive regional infrastructure. Again, artificial reefs are utilized as a carrier, bottom-seeding is used as a means of breeding, and breeding and release are used as a supplement to actively grow aquaculture while simultaneously fostering the development of recreational fisheries and other sectors [33]. The development of marine ranching that is “ecological, precise, intelligent, and integrated”, as well as “all-area” marine ranching that has been updated, is a primary emphasis of the Chinese government. Intelligent marine ranching will become the current research hotspot, and the future development trend of marine ranching will take the road of ecologically sustainable development [34,35,36].

A national strategy that provides direction and support is required for the building of marine ranching [37], in addition to the scientific and reasonable planning that is required. The geographical position of coastal provinces and cities, the quality of the marine environment, the state of biological resources, and the socioeconomic situation should all be taken into account when making sensible planning decisions [38]. It is still necessary to improve the construction of the marine ranching detection network and safety early warning system, to use modern information technology and big data platforms to realize dynamic supervision, and to enhance the scientific nature of administrative law enforcement of marine ranching.

• Pathway 1: Fisheries.

Regarding fisheries, Pathway 1 emphasizes environmentally sustainable fishing methods as it places major weight on the requirement of marine ranching. These techniques help reduce bycatch levels and protect a variety of marine species. Furthermore, if the industry wants to enhance its environmental image, it should help the use of certification programs and eco-labeling. Furthermore, underlined in this course of action are the requirements of enhancing fishing equipment and technology, enhancing fisheries management and enforcement, and raising tourism linked to fishing to diversify sources of revenue and lower the reliance on one enterprise. This helps to reduce dependency on one sector, therefore reducing its influence. Should Guangdong Province create a thorough strategy for social, environmental, and financial issues, the marine ranching industry might find direction toward a more sustainable growth route. This decision would specify fewer consequences on the environment, better livelihoods for fishermen and the surrounding communities, and more contributions to the food security and economic growth of the province.

Example: The technologies that are now available, such as rice–fish farming and fish–solar energy complementarity, have the potential to allow for the complete utilization of ecological resources and the undertaking of sustainable farming in an environmentally acceptable manner. The rice–fish co-culture model in Yinchuan refers to the “Technical Guidelines for Integrated Rice and Fishery Production” issued by the General Office of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs.

• Pathway 2: Artificial structures.

When looking at Guangdong Province’s sustainable development path, Pathway 2, which emphasizes artificial reefs and structures, may help marine ranching survive. Artificial reefs and structures may improve biodiversity, offer marine animal habitats, and reduce marine ranching’s environmental effects. In addition to coastal defense systems’ function of preventing the negative effects of storms and erosion, the building of these structures also creates opportunities for ecotourism and leisure activities. Including artificial reefs and structures in marine ranching operations helps Guangdong Province assist a more sustainable and resilient industry defined by fewer environmental impacts, better ecosystem services, and more economic advantages for local people. This will help the province to assist in the efforts toward sustainable development goals and marine preservation.

Example: Artificial structures made of decommissioned vessels or other constructions can be placed on the seabed to create artificial ecosystems and improve habitats for fish and shellfish. Alternatively, underwater biological monitoring systems may be set up on aquaculture cage platforms using binocular recognition systems and sonar monitoring to count and identify marine life. Furthermore, environmental monitoring and surveillance systems equipped with marine stereoscopic profile observation systems and radar–optical systems can be employed for the real-time monitoring of the ecological environment and the early warning of potential disasters. There have been several case studies and experiments involving artificial reefs aimed at protecting marine ecosystems.

• Pathway 3: Recreational ranching.

Pathway 3 promotes recreational ranching, and marine ranching in Guangdong Province has a rare chance to develop into something more diversified and sustainable. Through the establishment of recreational ranching, Guangdong Province may be able to capitalize on ecotourism and other forms of unforgettable vacation experiences. Through this, the province would be able to maintain its maritime resources and encourage people to live more sustainably. Through the dissemination of information on sustainable fishing practices and the preservation of marine life, this strategy not only promotes marine conservation but also assists the province in achieving its goals for sustainable development. To give people chances to engage in night-time sea fishing, the marine ranching platform known as “Penghu” in Zhuhai mixes night-time cultural tourism with leisureful fishing. Shenzhen visitors have chances to participate in several events within the Dapeng Bay Marine Ranching Demonstration Zone. Among these are diving into the sea to plant marine seedlings and adopting them. Cooperation with surrounding tourism destinations makes these events feasible.

Example: Recreational fisheries in China have been developing rapidly since the early 21st century. The total economic value of recreational fisheries in China increased from CNY 5.4 billion in 2003 to CNY 90.2 billion in 2018. However, there is a serious imbalance in the development of recreational fisheries between regions. Specifically, the combined economic value of recreational fisheries in the main provinces of Shandong, Hubei, and Guangdong accounted for 53.4% of the recreational value for the whole country, whereas the combined contribution for the bottom 20 of the 31 provinces in the country together accounted for only 10.1% [39].

Pathway 3 promotes coastal tourism and fishing. Increasing the cultural literacy and identity of the coastal inhabitants and visitors in Guangdong Province, boosting economic development, and increasing employment are economic requirements and joint aims of marine culture and environmental protection.

Marine culture can be built economically and technically by modernizing the marine fisheries sector. Building these cultural groups can boost local populations’ feelings of affiliation and MR protection consciousness. Industry upgrading via eco-friendly aquaculture technology and management may directly minimize marine environment damage and enhance ecological balance. Maritime cultural groups may increase public knowledge and engagement, boosting social support and ecological conservation. These three critical criteria work together to drive MR toward sustainable, ecologically friendly, economically efficient, and socially harmonious growth. These linkages allow MR to balance economic advantages, social welfare, and ecological health, laying the groundwork for sustainable marine resource utilization and marine economy growth. The three growth routes above may be applied to coastal locations in Guangdong Province and elsewhere in China or the world. Some regions emphasize sustainable tourism, while others emphasize marine product agriculture.

This study synthesizes findings from several research papers focused on marine ranching (MR) in Guangdong, China (

Table 7. Comparison with existing research.

Study	Location	Methodology	Key Findings
Yuan, H. 2022 [40]	Guangdong	Ecology-prioritized development; strengthening the coordination of multiple departments	Development and current situation of MR
Suo, A. 2023 [41]	Guangdong	Niche theory	Suitability evaluation on marine ranching
Jia 2005 [42]	Guangdong	Sustainable utilization countermeasures	Marine fishery resources
Guangdong Local History Compilation Committee, 2004.	Guangdong	Guangdong Local History Compilation Committee	Fishing grounds distribution
This work	Guangdong	STESs-based framework	An analysis of the sustainable development path of marine ranching

). Yuan emphasized the importance of ecology-prioritized development and interdepartmental coordination for sustainable MR practices in Guangdong. Their study highlighted the need for a holistic approach to MR development, considering both ecological and social-economic factors. In another study, Suo applied niche theory to evaluate the suitability of MR in Guangdong, providing insights into the potential for MR development in the region. Earlier studies, such as Jia, focused on sustainable utilization and countermeasures for marine fishery resources in Guangdong. Additionally, the Guangdong Local History Compilation Committee (2004) provided the historical context on the fishing ground distribution in Guangdong, laying the groundwork for understanding the region’s marine resources and MR development. By integrating these findings, this study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of MR development in Guangdong, China.

5. Conclusions

In this study, we developed an STESs framework for marine ranching by integrating the complex interactions among fisheries, artificial infrastructure, and recreational ranching and by delineating three core subsystems: government agencies, ranchers, and fishers. Focusing on Guangdong Province, China, we examined how technological adoption, stakeholder participation, fisheries management, ecosystem health, biodiversity, and community engagement interact within marine ranching operations. The findings highlight the importance of integrated social, technological, and environmental management for the sustainable expansion of marine ranching. Notably, stakeholder involvement was positively correlated with technology adoption, suggesting that including stakeholders in decision-making processes can enhance the acceptance and implementation of innovative technologies. Sustainable fishing methods were also found to be crucial for maintaining ecological balance, as effective fisheries management was strongly correlated with ecosystem health. Furthermore, a strong positive correlation between community participation and biodiversity underscores the critical role of local communities in biodiversity conservation. Additionally, the marine biodiversity index emerged as a robust predictor of water quality, emphasizing the importance of biodiversity protection in maintaining water quality and overall ecosystem health.

A moderate positive correlation (r = 0.62) between technology adoption and stakeholder participation indicates that inclusive decision-making enhances the acceptance of innovative technologies. Similarly, a correlation of 0.62 between fisheries management and ecosystem health underscores the importance of sustainable harvesting practices for maintaining ecological balance. Notably, community involvement exhibited a strong positive correlation (r = 0.71) with biodiversity, highlighting the pivotal role of local stewardship in preserving marine species diversity. Furthermore, the regression results demonstrated that the marine biodiversity index is a significant predictor of the water quality index (β = 0.85, p = 0.001), thereby underscoring biodiversity protection as a cornerstone of water quality preservation. The observed mean values—a water quality index of 79.25, a marine biodiversity index of 0.88, and a fisheries management revenue of CNY 15.62 billion—provide baseline metrics for the future monitoring and comparative assessment of marine ranching performance. Looking ahead, future research should explore the development and application of advanced marine ranching technologies, such as artificial intelligence and machine-learning algorithms, to further optimize fisheries management and ecological outcomes. In addition, integrated modeling approaches that encompass social, economic, and environmental dimensions can offer deeper insights into sustainable expansion strategies for Guangdong’s marine ranching sector. Finally, examining policy and governance mechanisms—including incentive structures and legal frameworks that promote ecologically responsible and socially equitable fishing—will be crucial for guiding the long-term sustainability of marine ranching.