Zhouhua Guo

To date, most studies focus on the ecological and environmental effects of land-based photovoltaic (PV) power plants, while there is a dearth of studies examining the impacts of water-based PV power plants. The effects of a fishery complementary PV power plant, a kind of water-based PV technology, on the near-surface meteorology and aquaculture water environment were investigated in coastal aquaculture ponds in southeast China. The results showed that PV prevented 89~93% of the solar radiation on the surface of the pond, resulting in an average reduction in water temperature of 1.5 °C and a substantial decrease in light intensity of 94%. Furthermore, it weakened the wind speed by 41~50% and elevated the surface air temperature by an average of 0.6 °C. In addition, PV power results in an impressive decrease in chlorophyll-α of 72~94% and a notable increase in dissolved oxygen (DO) concentrations of 8~24%. PV power also reduced the concentration of labile phosphate, active silicate, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and total organic carbon. However, the PV power did not have a substantial influence on the concentrations of nitrate and ammonium. Our results highlight that fishery complementary PV power plants may be able to improve water quality and benefit shade-loving species.

The research uses the K-means clustering algorithm to examine the correlation between ecological restoration assessment, economic development, and investment in sea areas. The study intends to shed light on the dynamics and relationships between these variables and offer insightful information for managing the coastal and marine environments. We have made important discoveries on the effects of ecological restoration and eco-economic development on research investment by thoroughly analyzing data from various indicators, including the ecological index, eco-economic variables, and geographical index. Our findings underscore the significance of protecting marine ecosystems while promoting economic growth by demonstrating the beneficial effects of ecological restoration initiatives on research investment in maritime regions. The report also emphasizes the critical role of eco-economic development in influencing research investment and advancing sustainable practices that balance economic growth and environmental preservation. The results highlight the need for coordinated efforts among local communities, government agencies, academic institutions, business stakeholders, and industry to create comprehensive programs prioritizing ecological restoration, economic development, and research spending. This holistic strategy can support technical advancement, economic diversification, and sustainable development in maritime regions. The study’s findings emphasize the importance of coordinating research funding with ecological restoration and eco-economic growth for coastal communities and residents’ long-term well-being. Policymakers are urged to prioritize investments in research infrastructure, programs that increase capability, and encouraging regulations that support an environment significant to research and innovation. Stakeholders can use the advantages of research investment, utilize the potential of sea areas, and support the accomplishment of sustainable development goals by implementing these ideas. This study contributes to the existing literature by providing empirical data and insights into the complex relationships between ecological restoration, economic growth, and research expenditures in maritime regions. This paper highlights the study’s limitations to encourage further research on new variables and comparisons across various industries and areas. This study provides insights into the importance of incorporating ecological restoration, eco-economic development, and research investment for sustainable coastal and marine management.