CHINA – China has announced ambitious plans to expand its offshore aquaculture operations, aiming to enhance food security and adapt to the challenges posed by climate change.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, in collaboration with the Ministry of Natural Resources, released guidelines detailing strategies to transform China into a “marine breadbasket.”
Currently, China’s marine aquaculture sector covers over 31.11 million acres and plays a crucial role in meeting the nation’s food requirements.
The new guidelines proposed the zoning of marine farming areas to establish a diversified and environmentally sustainable food supply system.
Key aspects of the guidelines included optimizing sea aquaculture management, controlling the expansion of new areas, and protecting natural coastlines.
To support deep-sea farming, the guidelines advocated for the expansion of suitable far-shore areas and the utilisation of advanced technologies.
It also emphasized ecologically healthy breeding models, incorporating advanced facilities, technology, and environmentally friendly materials.
The move was seen as a response to the growing threat of climate change to China’s marine fisheries, which contribute nearly one-sixth of the world’s total catch.
Recent studies led by researchers from Stony Brook University’s School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences highlighted declines in fish stock abundance and complex management challenges.
Some fish species showed adaptability to changing conditions, while others faced risks with potential social and ecological impacts.
“Managing sustainable fisheries is subject to complex management challenges and economic costs, but it is essential for preserving fish populations and marine ecosystems, which are fundamental to long-term food production and food security,” Dr. Yunzhou Li, leading the research team, stated.
“Some challenges are universal across China’s fishing industry, our research emphasizes the importance of recognizing local characteristics that contribute to heightened vulnerability in certain communities, including variations in fishery dependence, seafood consumption patterns and so on.”
Meanwhile, he added that China has already implemented tough regulations and various management practices for traditional mariculture to minimize environmental damage.
”For example, the total allowable catch (TAC) pilot programs that have been implemented in coastal provinces, the use of technology for effective fisheries monitoring, and sustainable aquaculture and restocking.”
Globally, efforts on fishery management are underway, with initiatives like the EU’s revision of fisheries control regulations and the UK government’s measures to enhance sustainable fishing and control fish stocks in British waters post-Brexit.
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