Background Sansha Bay serves as a significant marine artificial breeding and net cage aquaculture base in Fujian Province. The appropriate sand content in this area provides a stable habitat for aquaculture organisms, promoting their growth and reproduction. Researching the characteristics of suspended sediment in the aquaculture zone of Sansha Bay holds both theoretical and practical significance for the future selection and rational utilization of marine resources in aquaculture areas.

Objective To comprehend the distribution characteristics of sediment transport in Sansha Bay and its impact on marine aquaculture distribution, fundamental research on the sediment transport characteristics in the aquaculture area of Sansha Bay is essential. This approach aims to improve the economic benefits of aquaculture and the utilization level of marine resources.

Methods This article gathered synchronous hydrological and sediment observation data from multiple locations within Sansha Bay. It analyzed the distribution characteristics and net transport trends of suspended sediment in the bay, integrating tidal current and sediment type data collected during the synchronous investigation period. This comprehensive analysis aims to elucidate the relationship between sand content and tidal dynamics in Sansha Bay, as well as its impact on the distribution of offshore aquaculture.

Results The findings indicated that sand content was highest at Baima Port, followed by Zhangwan Port, with the lowest concentration observed at the mouth of the bay. The suspended sediment at the bay’s mouth was primarily transported in the direction of the rising tide, while it moved in the direction of the falling tide within the bay. A strong correlation existed between sand content and tidal current, both exhibiting periodic variations. However, there was approximately a one-hour lag between the peak sand content and the peak flow velocity. The distribution of suspended sediment transport influenced the sand content and sediment environment of the water bodies, affecting the normal growth and development of aquaculture organisms. Consequently, this impacted breeding methods and types, serving as one of the factors influencing the layout of offshore aquaculture.

Conclusion The distribution of marine aquaculture in Sansha Bay has been influenced by the transport and distribution of suspended sediment. Moving forward, it is crucial to enhance the monitoring of sand content in the marine area and to investigate the tolerance of aquaculture organisms to varying sand content.