中国·福州——热爱城市从热爱美食开始

Lianjiang Launches the Trial of Summer High-Temperature Mixed Farming for Navodon Septentrionalis

It Marks Fujian’s First-Ever Trial Farming, Paving the Way for Year-Round Aquaculture

Researchers and fishermen worked together to release Navodon septentrionalis into aquaculture cages. (Photo courtesy of Lian Rongmei)

When it comes to the farming of Navodon septentrionalis, fishermen along the Fujian coastline know well that it cannot withstand the high temperatures of summer. So, how can this challenge be addressed? On June 8, the province’s first-ever trial of summer high-temperature mixed farming for Navodon septentrionalis was launched in Sha’ao Bay, Lianjiang. This initiative seeks to address the high-temperature aquaculture problem and bring more “sea flavors” to local dining tables.

The Navodon septentrionalis, commonly known as “Horse-Faced Fish” (due to its appearance resembling a horse’s face), Leather Jacket, or “Wolf Fish” (for its aggressive, wolf-like nature), was once the second most abundant economic fish species in China’s marine fisheries, following only the ribbonfish. Its meat is tender, nutritious, and naturally boneless, making it especially suitable for both the elderly and children. Currently, the market price is over 80 yuan per kilogram. However, this fish cannot be farmed alone in Lianjiang or even in the entire province during the summer due to the high temperatures. As a result, it has to be sourced from northern regions, making Navodon septentrionalis relatively scarce in the summer market. This scarcity causes the price to soar, often doubling.

On the morning of June 8, a live-water transport ship carrying 6,000 Navodon septentrionalis arrived at Sha’ao Bay in Ankai Township. With the guidance of researchers from the College of Life Sciences at Fujian Normal University, local fishermen used baskets and U-shaped troughs to release the fish into aquaculture cages. The fish were then paired for trial mixed farming with other species such as Nibea albiflora, yellow croaker, Plectorhinchus cinctus, bass, and Pagrus major.

It is reported that Navodon septentrionalis, a species typically cultivated in northern regions, is suitable for growth in seawater temperatures between 9°C and 31°C. In the summer, it is farmed in the coastal waters of Fujian. However, if a monoculture approach is used—meaning only Navodon septentrionalis is raised in a single net cage—the fish will not survive. Wu Zhong, a farmer from Qida Village, explained to the reporter that if this trial is successful, it could significantly boost fishermen’s income and ensure a steady supply for the market.

Lin Chentao, a researcher at the College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, explained that the trial farming will take place over the summer and autumn. The current release is just the first step. In the coming months, they will conduct regular tracking, sampling, and testing to monitor how Navodon septentrionalis fares when co-cultivated with different fish species. This will help gather more insights into summer farming practices and work towards overcoming the seasonal constraints of traditional aquaculture. The ultimate goal is to establish year-round farming without interruptions and provide essential technical support for the large-scale, seasonal cultivation of Navodon septentrionalis.

According to the Lianjiang Bureau of Ocean and Fisheries, the county’s seawater farming area totaled 23,448 hectares last year, producing 933,238 tons, including 61,591 tons of various marine fish. If year-round, uninterrupted farming of Navodon septentrionalis can be established, it will take farming to new heights and significantly increase the income and prosperity of local fishermen. Notably, by the end of last year, the first batch of 800,000 high-quality Navodon septentrionalis fry was successfully introduced into the waters off Dongluo Island in Lianjiang, setting an industrial precedent for large-scale, domestically independent breeding and deep-sea aquaculture of Navodon septentrionalis. The base is planned to cover 500 mu, with a total water volume of around 560,000 cubic meters. The project aims to build 140 deep-water gravity net cages, positioning it as the largest deep-sea farming facility for Navodon septentrionalis in China and contributing to the high-quality development of the marine economy. (Fuzhou Daily Reporter: Lin Wenjing; Correspondents: Wu Qifa, Yan Yuanjin)