China Expands Marine Ranching to Enhance Food Security and Economic Opportunities
China is enhancing food security by expanding marine ranching along its coastline. The initiative includes significant investments in fisheries development, adoption of advanced technologies, and a focus on sustainable practices. This approach aims to diversify food sources, improve aquatic farming efficiency, and create economic opportunities through tourism.
China is actively enhancing food security through the expansion of marine ranching along its extensive coastline. These modern marine ranches, referred to as “blue granaries,” are part of China’s strategic initiative to diversify food supplies by leveraging innovative technologies and increased investment in the marine industry. Such efforts are significant in feeding the country’s large population of over 1.4 billion individuals.
The latest “No. 1 central document” issued by Chinese leaders emphasizes the need to optimize land and sea resources to improve food production. It highlights plans to build a diversified food supply system and promote fisheries development, deep-sea aquaculture, and marine ranch constructions to expand food resource channels. In 2024, significant investments were made in regions such as Shanwei, Guangdong, where over 2 billion yuan (approximately US$279 million) were allocated to establish various marine ranches alongside essential cold chain and sales facilities.
Current data indicates that China has established over 180 national-level marine ranches, with Shandong Province leading the way with 71 such ranches, accounting for 38% of the national total, according to Zhang Jiandong from the Oceanic Administration of Shandong Province.
Technological advancements have revolutionized aquaculture practices, including the use of automated feeding systems and underwater imaging. For instance, Liu Yulei manages a marine ranch that houses eight sizable aquaculture cages located 42 nautical miles off Yantai’s coast. Each cage, measuring 68 meters square, sustains an optimal habitat for 1 million fish, with an impressive annual yield of 1,000 tonnes. Liu emphasizes the unique advantages of this location, where water quality and movement provide a refreshing environment for aquatic life.
The efficiency of modern fish farming is underscored by the minimal labor needed to manage these operations. Liu reports that four workers can effectively oversee a single cage, owing to the incorporated sonar, lidar, and monitoring systems that gauge the fish’s health and environmental conditions. This cutting-edge approach results in improved quality and output while mitigating environmental impacts. Luan Jianguo, another marine ranch operator, remarked on the importance of scientific breeding, which has drastically reduced food waste and enhanced production quality.
Marine ranching initiatives are also fostering new business avenues through synergistic operations combining aquaculture and tourism. The “Genghai No. 1” ecological marine ranch complex near Yantai, for example, offers engaging tourist experiences alongside commercial fishing. This complex affords visitors immersive maritime activities, such as virtual deep-sea elevators and recreational fishing opportunities, in addition to providing lodging with picturesque views and fresh seafood dining.
Sustainability is a key component in operations at marine ranches, with facilities incorporating renewable energy sources. Yan Haidong, deputy general manager of Shandong Ocean Harvest Corporation, stated that their complex operates with a substantial solar and wind power capacity, generating approximately 500,000 kWh annually, underscoring their commitment to low carbon practices.
In summary, China’s expansion of marine ranching represents a strategic approach to enhancing food security by diversifying food sources and integrating advanced technologies. The emphasis on sustainable practices and the synergy between aquaculture and tourism offers new economic opportunities. Through investments and modernized systems, China aims to not only secure its food supply but also protect the marine environment while fostering community engagement through innovative experiences.
Original Source: www.shine.cn
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