China is taking bold steps to revitalize its aquaculture sector by prioritizing the development of advanced facilities and shifting away from mass production of low-value species. The government, at federal, provincial, and local levels, is granting priority status to new projects, ensuring expedited permitting, incentive programs, and subsidies. This strategic shift aims to move beyond species like carp and tilapia towards higher-value options such as grouper, sea bass, sea bream, trout, and salmon.
Key government documents, including the “Number One Document” from China’s Department of Agriculture and the “Shandong Provincial Level 2019 Review of Poverty Alleviation by Dragon Head Companies,” outline the desired trajectory for the aquaculture sector. The emphasis is on industrial-scale development of recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) facilities, fish-rice co-production, and carbon capture fisheries.
Government-supported projects, like the Hongqi (Red Flag) Modern Fishery Industrial Park, exemplify this shift. The park, backed by a CNY 260 million investment, features a recirculating facility cultivating high-value species like grouper and sea bass. It also serves as a poverty alleviation project, qualifying for subsidies and integrating tourism with visitors paying to tour the facility and dine at seafood restaurants.
In a broader effort, Shandong is investing CNY 6.71 billion over three years to restore shorelines and wetlands, further integrating environmental responsibility into development initiatives. The province plans to build four new fishery parks and expand marine pastures offshore.
Qingdao’s government underscores collaboration between fishery companies and research agencies to develop higher-value species. Successful examples include the creation of premium varieties like the “Superior Sea Cucumber No. 1” and the “white jade sea cucumber.” Qingdao encourages the offshore expansion of aquaculture, endorsing projects like deep-water cages for salmon and intelligent aquaculture vessels.
Despite the positive environmental aspects of these initiatives, concerns have been raised by NGOs. The shift towards carnivorous, high-value species may increase demand for fishmeal, potentially posing sustainability challenges. Moreover, the introduction of non-native species raises apprehensions about environmental impact, given past issues with invasive species in China’s natural habitats.