Aquatic products have long been a cornerstone of human sustenance, providing high-quality animal protein essential for nutrition. Over the past three decades, the Chinese mainland’s fishery industry has experienced rapid growth, reaching an impressive production of approximately 71.16 million tonnes of aquatic products in 2023. This remarkable achievement solidifies China as the world’s largest producer in this sector.
However, success comes with challenges. The flourishing fishery industry has led to saturation in inland lakes, ponds, and coastal areas, while marine fishing resources are nearing depletion. Environmental concerns and resource limitations are pressing issues that demand innovative solutions. Expanding the horizons of fishery production into the deep sea and developing the marine ranching industry are now crucial steps towards ensuring national food security and enhancing human well-being.
In a groundbreaking development in 2017, China completed the world’s first large-scale deep-sea aquaculture platform, Norway’s “Ocean Farm 1,” pushing marine aquaculture to unprecedented depths of 300 meters. The debut of this platform captured global attention, marking a new era in sustainable fishery practices.
This innovative approach to aquaculture resonated with policymakers. In 2019, ten ministries jointly issued the “Several Opinions on Accelerating the Green Development of the Aquaculture Industry,” a milestone document that advocated for green deep-sea aquaculture and encouraged the construction of large-scale intelligent platforms.
The momentum continued in June 2023 when eight ministries, including the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, released the “Opinions on Accelerating the Development of Deep-sea Aquaculture.” This initiative underscored the urgency of advancing deep-sea aquaculture across the entire industry chain, emphasizing key areas and critical processes.
October 2023 marked another significant step as the State Council published the white paper “Development of China’s Distant-Water Fisheries.” This comprehensive document outlines China’s development concepts, principles, positions, policy propositions, and achievements in distant-water fisheries, showcasing a commitment to sustainable practices and international cooperation.
These strategic moves highlight China’s dedication to fostering a sustainable and prosperous ocean community with a shared future. By pioneering deep-sea aquaculture, China is addressing environmental challenges, alleviating pressure on overutilized resources, and securing a stable food supply for its population.
Deep-sea aquaculture represents a frontier of opportunity. It not only mitigates the environmental impact on coastal and inland ecosystems but also propels technological innovation in marine engineering. The development of intelligent deep-sea platforms signifies a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity, where ancient practices meet cutting-edge technology.
As China leads the way, there is potential for collaboration and knowledge-sharing on a global scale. Building an ocean community with a shared future invites other nations to partake in sustainable practices, ensuring that the oceans remain a vital resource for generations to come. The journey towards deep-sea aquaculture is more than an industrial advancement; it’s a visionary path toward global sustainability and communal prosperity.
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Promoting the building of an ocean community of shared future
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