Fish pools in a greenhouse at the Dinggao Ecological Agriculture Base in Xiayuan town, Rugao. [Photo/WeChat account: rugaofabu]

In Xiayuan town, Rugao, the Dinggao Ecological Aquaculture Base has created a unique setup where fish swim freely in warm greenhouse pools resembling bathtubs.

"Industrialized aquaculture offers much greater control. With greenhouse facilities and regulated water temperatures, fish farming can flourish year-round," explained project manager Li Ping.

Above the pools, a network of pipes forms part of an intelligent feeding system that calculates precise feeding times and amounts based on the growth of the fish. This scientific approach reduces the farming cycle by one month compared to traditional methods. Each pool accommodates thousands of fish fry, significantly lowering costs and boosting efficiency.

The farm employs recirculating aquaculture technology, which purifies harmful substances in the water and filters out sediment like leftover feed and fish waste. This system ensures multi-stage purification and recycling, requiring only 1 percent of the water to be replaced daily.

Li noted that Phase 1 of the project, comprising 60 pools, is already more than halfway operational. Phase 2, with over 30 additional pools under construction, is expected to raise 250,000 kilograms of high-quality freshwater fish annually, generating a projected output value of 10 million yuan ($1.37 million).

The base is setting a benchmark for sustainable and efficient aquaculture, contributing to the local economy and environmental protection.