Politics · China · 14 hrs ago
Shanwei expands modern ocean farming with new policies and technology
In Shanwei, Guangdong, local officials and researchers are developing modern ocean farms to grow seafood and support the coastal economy.
The city’s fishers have faced damaged cages after typhoons, as well as difficulty getting sea areas approved and finding good seed stock.
Researcher and local political adviser Huang Xianpei brought these problems to consultation meetings, where officials coordinated solutions.
One project to breed purple sea urchins is now being built in Jiesheng town and is expected to reach full production next June.
New policies have also streamlined approvals and introduced insurance and premium subsidies to help farmers manage typhoon risks.
Researchers have developed a system that grows oysters, sea urchins and seaweed in the same waters, cutting water nutrient pollution indicators by more than 50%.
Shanwei says 38 ocean-farm projects have started, with investment totaling about 9.7 billion yuan, and it is working on standards for the sector.
Shanwei has expanded modern marine farming through new policies, research and technology, including deep-water cages and integrated aquaculture.
The city introduced coordinated sea-use approvals and insurance support to help projects proceed and reduce farmers’ exposure to typhoon damage.
A “oyster-urchin-algae” farming model produces three products in the same waters and has reduced nitrogen and phosphorus indicators by more than 50%.
Shanwei had 38 marine ranching projects under construction, with total investment of about 9.7 billion yuan.
In the first half of 2026, the city’s marine aquaculture output was 199,200 tonnes, up 12% year on year.
- Who
- Shanwei authorities, researchers and marine farmers are involved. Huang Xianpei, a local political adviser and marine industry researcher, has helped promote the work.
- What
- Shanwei is developing modern marine ranching through policy changes, technology and integrated aquaculture.
- When
- The report was published on November 4, 2026. It cites figures for the first half of 2026.
- Where
- Shanwei, Guangdong province, including waters around Jiangmu Island.
- Why
- The effort aims to develop the city’s marine economy and address challenges including typhoon damage, sea-use approvals and access to quality seed stock.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Shanwei purple sea urchins were exported to Japan before resource depletion led to a sharp drop in output.
Local departments reviewed and addressed problems holding up the purple sea urchin breeding project.
A standard sea-use project went from negotiations to offshore deployment in 77 days.
Shanwei produced 199,200 tonnes of marine aquaculture, up 12% year on year.
The purple sea urchin breeding project in Jiesheng town is expected to reach full production.
- Marine area
- 23,900 square kilometres
- Coastline
- 467.5 kilometres
- Marine ranching projects
- 38 under construction
- Total project investment
- About 9.7 billion yuan
- Marine aquaculture output
- 199,200 tonnes in the first half of 2026
- Aquaculture output value
- 44.5 billion yuan in the first half of 2026
1 source
What people are saying
In earlier years, after a typhoon, traditional small fish cages were damaged and years of investment went to waste.
We also need to establish standards.
When something needs discussing, it is good to discuss it; matters concerning everyone should be discussed by everyone.