Qingdao WCNA welcomes first batch of southern seedlings for eco-farming

An aerial view of fish seedlings being released into deep-water anti-storm cages for ecological farming. [Photo/WeChat account: qdxihaianfabu]

A specialized transport vessel carrying 100,000 high-quality fish seedlings arrived at the Luhaifeng National Marine Ranch in the Qingdao West Coast New Area (Qingdao WCNA) on April 10.

These seedlings, including sea bass and red sea bream sourced from Fujian province, mark the city's first batch of Southern Fish Raised in the North for 2026. The fish have been released into deep-water anti-storm cages to begin their ecological cultivation phase.

The Southern Fish Raised in the North model is a strategic initiative by Qingdao to address challenges such as limited breeding varieties and long production cycles. By introducing mature seedlings from the south into northern waters, the city utilizes a unique wild-style farming technique. This method combines deep-water cages with solar-powered light traps that attract natural prey like plankton and small shrimp. This innovative approach simulates a wild environment, ensuring the fish remain lean and flavorful without the need for artificial feed or chemicals.

As Qingdao's largest marine ranch, Luhaifeng operates over 300 deep-water cages, providing significant potential for this green farming expansion. The newly introduced seedlings, weighing approximately 0.5 kilogram each, are expected to reach market size within just two months.

Compared to traditional methods, this model allows for same-year harvesting and sales, significantly boosting economic efficiency for local fishermen. By maximizing the utility of deep-water infrastructure and promoting energy-saving practices, the program plays a vital role in driving the high-quality, sustainable development of China's marine aquaculture industry.