Zhang Peng holds up two Australian freshwater blue lobsters at his farm in Hai'an, Nantong. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

Located in Yazhou town, Hai'an, the Jiangsu Jijiasen Australian Freshwater Blue Lobster Breeding Base has become a beacon of innovation in aquaculture. Zhang Peng, a local farmer, has been leasing more than 5,000 square meters of ponds and a 600-square-meter hatchery since last year, focusing on breeding lobster seedlings and selling some of the grown lobsters.

According to Zhang, Australian freshwater blue lobsters have much stricter environmental and water quality requirements than traditional crayfish. Yazhou town's pristine, oxygen-rich waters with balanced nutrients provide the ideal habitat for these lobsters. Government support for entrepreneurs has further strengthened his resolve to continue developing the business in this location.

Through precise temperature control and feeding, Zhang has managed to consistently produce high-quality lobster seedlings with a high survival rate, earning trust and praise from fellow aquaculture farmers. Last year, Zhang successfully bred the first batch of 500,000 Australian freshwater blue lobster seedlings.

Committed to advancing breeding techniques and refining farming methods, Zhang has assembled a specialized technical team to meet the specific needs of local farmers. By offering tailored farming plans and comprehensive technical guidance, the team has helped farmers overcome various challenges, significantly improving efficiency.

Zhang's future plans are ambitious: "Next year, I aim to expand the farming area to 6.67 hectares and the hatchery to 1,600 square meters. I hope to encourage more farmers to raise Australian freshwater lobsters, boosting income and promoting the sustainable growth of the industry."