A Study on the Spatiotemporal Heterogeneity and Driving Factors of Mariculture Pollution in the Bohai Rim Region, China

The rapid expansion of mariculture in the Bohai Rim Region, a key marine economic zone in North China, has led to various environmental challenges. This study evaluated the spatiotemporal heterogeneity of emission fluxes and identified the primary influencing factors of mariculture in the Bohai Rim Region during 2014–2023. The findings hold both theoretical and practical significance for promoting the sustainable development of the nearshore environment. On the basis of mariculture data, the pollution coefficient method (PCM) was applied to quantify emission fluxes, whereas the logarithmic mean Divisia index (LMDI) model and Spearman rank correlation were used to analyze influencing factors. The results indicate that (1) the spatiotemporal heterogeneity of mariculture pollution discharge was influenced primarily by mariculture taxa and policy regulations and that (2) the filtration capabilities of shellfish suggest that an integrated mariculture strategy involving shellfish and other taxa could significantly mitigate pollution. The optimization of breeding structures and advancements in technology play crucial roles in reducing mariculture-related pollution emissions. (3) A significant decline in pollutant levels was observed following the implementation of the Action Plan for Comprehensive Management of the Bohai Sea (CMAP-BS). These findings provide a scientific basis for transforming the environmental management of mariculture in coastal regions of China.