Shandong promotes sustainable transformation of ocean economy

With over 3,000 kilometers of coastline, Shandong, a major marine fishery province in China, is transforming its ocean economy by building marine ranches. To date, it has constructed 139 such ranches at the provincial-level and above, with 71 of them being at national-level, accounting for 38 percent of the country's total.

In 2024, Shandong's marine product output reached 8.25 million metric tons, with an added value exceeding 100 billion yuan ($14.14 billion), ranking first in China.

Shandong's blue economy is evolving into a sustainable model, harmonizing the exploitation of marine resources with environmental conservation.

Technology is a key driver of this transformation. The Genghai No 1 marine ranch in Yantai uses a "5G + marine ranch" model, with intelligent systems that improve breeding efficiency and reduce costs. In Rizhao, the Ocean Granary No 1 cage for salmon farming monitors water quality and fish growth in real-time, optimizing feed delivery to protect the marine ecosystem.

Shandong is also focusing on the development of the marine seed industry. It has achieved artificial breeding and industrial production of over 20 marine fish species, including the spotted knifejaw and white trevally. The province has also become a major breeding base for high-quality marine seedlings, with significant breakthroughs in species like the sea cucumber.

Shandong accelerates the marine breeding base construction, fueling the province's fishery development. [Photo/Dazhong News]

Moreover, Shandong is pioneering marine carbon sequestration practices. Rongcheng has restored 1,250 mu (approximately 83 hectares) of seagrass beds, which serve as carbon sinks. This year, the province has also completed its first marine carbon sequestration transaction, exploring new ways to turn ecological value into economic benefits.

One of the Guoxin No 1 series marine breeding ships, which contributes to more than 10,000 tons of high-quality marine fish annually. [Photo/Dazhong News]

（chinadaily.com.cn）