Development and Research Progress of the ‘Land‐Based Container + Ecological Pond’ Recirculating Aquaculture Model in China

ABSTRACT To address resource and environmental constraints in the aquaculture industry, China has developed the ‘Land‐based Container + Ecological Pond’ (LCEP) recirculating aquaculture model. The review systematically examines the development, technical principles, research progress, advantages and challenges of the LCEP model, with a focus on its economic performance, environmental sustainability and comparison with standard recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS). The LCEP model integrates modular land‐based container with multi‐stage ecological ponds for tailwater treatment and water recirculation. It achieves significant resource savings (>75% land and >90% water) and supports high‐density culture across diverse species. However, economic analysis reveals wide variability in return on investment (4.6%–56.5%) and payback periods (1.8–8.7 years), depending on species selection and market conditions. Compared to RAS, LCEP offers lower capital costs and ecological integration but faces challenges in nutrient removal efficiency, seasonal variability and land requirements. The ecological pond, functioning as a biofilter, shows inconsistent nitrogen and phosphorus removal due to carbon limitation, food web instability and eutrophication risks. Active management—including carbon balancing, biomass harvesting and aeration—is essential for stable performance. Future research should focus on hybrid system designs, renewable energy integration and region‐specific technical standards to enhance scalability and sustainability. The LCEP model represents a promising pathway for sustainable aquaculture, provided that its current limitations are addressed through innovation and adaptive management.