China's distant-water fleet does indeed have a significant focus on tuna, squid, and Pacific saury. These are among the key species for their operatio

China Charts New Course for Distant-Water Fisheries: Focus Shifts to Quality and Sustainability

CHINA
Friday, May 23, 2025, 05:50 (GMT + 9)

Shenzhen Forum Marks 40 Years of Growth, Emphasizing Green Transformation, Tech Innovation, and Global Collaboration.

SHENZHEN – China's distant-water fishing industry is embarking on a strategic shift, moving away from sheer scale expansion towards a new era defined by high-quality development, green practices, and technological advancement. This forward-looking agenda was the central theme of the "Forty Years of Pursuing the Deep Blue, Innovation and Empowerment - Forum on High-Quality Development of Distant-Earth Fisheries," held in Shenzhen on May 15.

Aerial view of Shenzhen National Offshore Fisheries Base. (Rendering). Photo: Shenzhen Academy of Social Sciences

The forum, co-sponsored by the China Distant-Earth Fisheries Association, China Agricultural Development Group, and Shanghai Ocean University, brought together over 200 representatives from government bodies, scientific research institutions, industry enterprises, and media. The event opened with a special film celebrating the 40-year journey of China's distant-water fisheries, which has grown from initial exploration to a global force.

China's Distant Water Fishing vessels

Zhang Xianliang, President of the China Distant-Earth Fisheries Association, highlighted the industry's four decades as an "epic struggle" that has served national strategies and safeguarded the "blue granary." He emphasized the association's commitment to transforming the sector from "scale expansion" to "quality and efficiency," from "single fishing" to "full-chain integration," and from "participation and following" to "leading and win-win" in ocean governance. The association also launched an initiative advocating for new engines of technology empowerment, green development blueprints, and expanded international cooperation.

Zhang Xianliang, President of China Offshore Fisheries Association.  Photo: Xinhua News Agency

Liu Hui, Deputy General Manager of China Agricultural Development Group Co., Ltd., echoed these sentiments, stressing the importance of technology as an engine for new agricultural productivity and cooperation as a link to extend the distant-water fishery into R&D and market ends. He acknowledged the complexities of the global environment and the need for continued efforts in market promotion, technological innovation, brand building, and win-win cooperation.

Liu Hui, member of the Party Committee and deputy general manager of China Agricultural Development Group Co., Ltd.  Photo: Xinhua News Agency

Driving Innovation and Responsible Governance

The forum also benefited from insights from Niu Dun, former Vice Minister of the Ministry of Agriculture and former Chinese Permanent Representative to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). He offered a strategic assessment of the distant-water fisheries' current status, achievements, and future trends.

Throughout the day, experts and industry leaders delivered keynote speeches on various critical topics, including the high-quality development of distant-water fisheries, supporting the construction of a "maritime power," deep processing of aquatic products, and the evolution of fishery enterprise management. Discussions also covered the development of aquaculture vessels, the Antarctic krill industry, smart fisheries, and innovative applications of intelligent equipment.

Niu Dun, former vice minister of the Ministry of Agriculture, former Chinese permanent representative to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization and ambassador. Photo: Xinhua News Agency

Over the past four decades, China's distant-water fishing industry has achieved significant upgrades, driven by breakthroughs in scientific and technological innovation, improved regulatory systems, and active participation in global fishery governance. This forum is seen as a crucial step, injecting new momentum by consolidating industry wisdom and consensus. The sector is now poised to write a new chapter of high-quality development, reinforcing its role in building a strong maritime nation and ensuring global "blue food security" with a steadfast commitment to innovation, coordination, green practices, openness, and sharing.

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