Smart fish farming takes to the deep sea off Ningbo

[Video provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Off the coast of Ningbo, East China's Zhejiang province, a groundbreaking deep-sea aquaculture platform is reshaping the future of sustainable fish farming.

Vitalii Kunitsyn recently visited "Donghai No 1", Zhejiang's first semi-submersible offshore fish farming platform, located over 10 kilometers from the shore of the city's Xiangshan county. Designed to raise yellow croaker in open waters, the platform represents a major step forward in both technology and environmental sustainability.

Built to withstand typhoons and harsh sea conditions, "Donghai No 1" uses a ballast system to adjust its stability and elevation, along with ultra-strong polyethylene netting and heavy-duty anchors to keep the structure and fish secure. The deeper waters and improved water quality result in healthier, firmer, and more flavorful fish that can sell for several times the price of traditionally farmed varieties.

The platform is powered by wave and solar energy, with storage systems to ensure consistent electricity for its smart management technologies. It features real-time monitoring of the marine environment, remote feeding and surveillance systems, and a central control hub — allowing operations to run smoothly even in rough weather.

The "Donghai No 1" isn't just a platform; it's a glimpse into the next generation of ocean-based food production. Watch the video and explore the platform with Kunitsyn!