The Path Forward for China's Bullfrog Industry: Exploring Green Farming Models

Abstract

The American bullfrog (Aquarana catesbeiana), recognized for its aquaculture potential, presents a significant opportunity for sustainable and economically viable production. As the world's leading producer, China plays a pivotal role in the bullfrog industry yet lacks a comprehensive synthesis of its production advancements and challenges. This study addresses this gap by analyzing research and production data from 2020 to 2024, sourced from databases such as Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Scopus. A review of 193 articles across nine thematic areas—including biology, nutrition, aquaculture systems, and disease management—underscores the growing use of bullfrogs as model organisms while addressing ecological impacts and disease concerns. In 2023, China's bullfrog industry achieved a production volume exceeding 1 million tons, valued at 100 billion CNY (15.26 billion USD). However, challenges such as inconsistent production standards and wastewater-induced environmental pollution remain unresolved. Through an evaluation of various farming models, this study identifies the concept of industrial parks utilizing greenhouses with recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) as a highly promising strategy for improving food safety and promoting environmental sustainability. The findings emphasize the need for targeted improvements in farming practices and regulatory frameworks to ensure sustainable growth. As a strategic initiative, we propose establishing industrial parks dedicated to bullfrog farming, aligning economic development with environmental goals, and positioning the industry for long-term global competitiveness.