Quanzhou, December 18 – The Quanzhou Municipal Government has released Fujian’s first municipal-level development plan for deep-sea aquaculture. The Quanzhou Deep-Sea Aquaculture Development Plan (2021–2030) sets a strategic direction for the transformation and upgrading of the local fisheries sector, aiming to optimise aquaculture structures and industry layout while establishing a blueprint for a sustainable “blue granary” at sea.

　　“In recent years, Quanzhou’s fisheries industry, which has been traditionally dominated by nearshore aquaculture, has revealed structural limitations, particularly in species composition,” said an official from the Municipal Bureau of Ocean and Fisheries. “The development of deep-sea aquaculture not only optimises the industry’s structure but also creates new growth opportunities, effectively expanding the city’s fisheries sector.”

　　According to the plan, by 2030, Quanzhou is expected to develop 360 deep-sea aquaculture platforms and 2,000 deep-water, wave-resistant cages, alongside integrated shellfish and seaweed farming. The plan also includes multifunctional platforms for distributed solar-aquaculture integration and marine tourism. Additionally, comprehensive deep-sea aquaculture service hubs will be established in four major fishing port economic zones—Quangang, Hui’an, Shishi, and Jinjiang—along with eight designated emergency docking, storm shelter, and supply points. By 2030, the initiative is projected to boost the city’s production of high-value commercial fish by 1.3 million tonnes, generating over 100 billion yuan in economic output.

　　Through this initiative, Quanzhou aims to develop a comprehensive deep-sea aquaculture model integrating diversified farming, coastal leisure tourism (such as sport fishing and seaside recreation), seafood processing, and renewable energy production. The city aspires to become a leading national hub for deep-sea aquaculture, serving as a model for modern fisheries development across China.