Rudong county in Nantong, Jiangsu province is not only advancing its marine economy but also actively protecting marine biodiversity.

For example, the Jiangsu Marine Fisheries Research Institute's Rudong base has captured over 10 high-value fish species, including yellow croakers and small yellow croakers, from natural sea areas along the Jiangsu coast for live preservation. This effort has established a resource library for live marine fish species unique to Jiangsu.

"We are the first in the province to master the techniques of preserving wild fish species, indoor breeding, and the rapid domestication of artificial bait," said Zhu Fei, senior engineer at the base. "We have released over 120 million yellow croaker fry into the Yellow Sea," he added.

Since 2009, Rudong has also been focused on restocking local marine habitats with species like razor clams, jellyfish, and blue crabs through breeding and release programs.

Furthermore, the county has stepped up efforts to protect and restore coastal wetlands. With an investment exceeding 10 million yuan ($1.38 million), a 660-mu (44 hectares) habitat for the spoon-billed sandpiper, a critically endangered bird species, has been established.

Furthermore, the county has established the first demonstration base in the province to show how to repair and restore damaged marine environments.