Abstract: In this study, 11 organophosphorus esters (OPEs) in the surface water from mariculture farms, estuaries and the nearshore of the Qinzhou bay were analyzed. The total concentration of 11 OPEs averaged 126 ng/L and ranged from 32.9 to 227 ng/L the mean, which was at the lower level among the similar regions worldwide. The predominant contaminants were TCEP, TCPP and TBEP. The level of individual OPEs in the Qinzhou bay was mainly affected by their own aqueous solubilities and octanol-water partition coefficients (K_OW) as well as their productions and consumptions. In general, the concentrations of OPEs were higher in the aquaculture ponds than in the nearby estuaries and nearshore area. The OPEs accumulated in the ponds might be mainly from the sources of culture water: rivers and coastal water. Chlorinated OPEs were more persistent than non-chlorinated OPEs in the culture ponds. So far, the concentrations of OPEs in the study area have no significant ecological impact on the surrounding environment, but its potential threat to human cannot be ignored because of their possible bioaccumulation in seafood.