The City of Zhuhai, with Baijiao Sea Bass of Doumen having a great reputation, was granted the honorary title of "China Sea Bass Capital" on Aug 20 at a meeting of Doumen-based Guangdong Qiangjing Agricultural Group, a local leader in the sea bass farming industry. 

Primary sea bass farming areas cover 31,000 mu (5,107 acres) in Zhuhai's West Wing and have a production capacity of 120,000 tons, ranking first in the country with an output value of 2.1 billion yuan ($300 million). 

After making inspections, reviewing materials, and hearing reports, experts and scholars unanimously agreed that Zhuhai has an advantageous sea bass industry, which features quality fish, large industrial scale, strong technological support, and influential renown.

Review session     

Vice Mayor Liu Jiawen said the "glorious title" would open up a new chapter for the city's sea bass industry. 

Sea bass farming commenced in Baijiao and Qianwu towns of Doumen District and Hongqi Town of Jinwan District in the 1980s and in recent years has reformed the fishery supply side and shored up support for the industry.

Zhuhai is making sea bass a calling card. The city cites significant social and economic benefits from formulating and promoting a technical standards system for sea bass farming, guiding technological breakthroughs, introducing and cultivating leading enterprises, and improving quality and safety supervision. It also has an e-commerce platform and aquatic products processing and logistics parks.  

Guangdong Qiangjing Agricultural Group was established in 2013 in Doumen as a private enterprise integrating asset management, industrial investment, production, and operations. 

Sea bass dish from Zhuhai [Photos by Wu Changfu / Zhuhai Daily]

The sea bass industry has become the pillar of Zhuhai's agriculture. It features an entire chain integrating seedlings, farming, production, processing, warehousing, cold chain transport, and trade, said Chairman Liu Qiang. 

Plans are to continue the rural revitalization strategy and adhere to the ongoing market orientation strategy. The city will foster standardized production, manage commercialization, and conduct operations in accordance with market needs. Cooperation with Hong Kong and Macao will be increased to enhance the core competitiveness of the sea bass industry.

The review was conducted by the China Aquatic Products Processing & Marketing Alliance (CAPPMA), South China Sea and Pearl River fisheries research institutes of the Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, College of Marine Sciences of South China Agricultural University, and Guangdong Ocean & Fishery Technology Promotion General Station.