Sustainable Aquaculture in India: Environmental and Economic Assessment in West Godavari, Andhra Pradesh

Abstract

Aquaculture has become a cornerstone of rural livelihoods and food security in India, particularly in Andhra Pradesh where districts such as West Godavari have evolved into high- density shrimp and fish farming zones. Despite considerable economic gains in export revenues and rural employment, questions remain regarding the ecological costs and long- term economic resilience of small and medium-scale farmers. Building on prior studies, this paper addresses gaps in micro-regional sustainable-aquaculture research by (i) explicitly stating and testing hypotheses grounded in ecosystem and resilience theory, (ii) validating our survey instrument (content validity index = 0.89; Cronbach’s α = 0.87), (iii) applying advanced quantitative techniques (exploratory factor analysis, structural equation modeling) alongside rigorous thematic analysis, and (iv) offering an integrated framework for policy and practice. Data were collected January–March 2023 via a cross-sectional survey of 200 stakeholders (farmers, input suppliers, institutional actors) and 30 in-depth interviews across five mandals in West Godavari. Structural equation modeling confirms that intensive input use (chemicals, high stocking densities) significantly predicts environmental degradation (β = 0.52, p < 0.001), which in turn negatively affects farm profitability (β = –0.65, p < 0.001). Adoption of sustainable practices (water recycling, polyculture) mitigates these effects (indirect standardized effect = +0.22, p < 0.05). Qualitative analysis yielded three major themes—“Ecological Risk Awareness,” “Economic Vulnerability,” and “Adaptive Innovation”—each illustrated by farmers’ verbatim statements. We discuss theoretical contributions to triple-bottom-line sustainability models, outline practical extension and credit mechanisms, and propose policy reforms including aquaculture zoning, zero-discharge mandates, and sustainability-linked finance. This study provides a robust empirical foundation for steering India’s aquaculture toward long-term ecological integrity and economic resilience.