Jellyfish production hub spreads its tentacles

Government efforts

Enhanced efforts are being taken by the Yingkou government to develop the jellyfish industry while maintaining sustainable development of the maritime environment.

Modern technologies, such as satellite positioning systems and drones to monitor fishing vessels in real time, ensure that fishing activities are conducted within specified times, areas and quotas, said Shu Shi, deputy director of the bureau of ocean and fisheries of Bayuquan district.

"We also ask fishermen to use proper fishing equipment and methods to minimize the impact on marine creatures," Shu said, adding that commercial fishing of the invertebrate is good for marine environments.

"A rapid increase in jellyfish numbers may directly put pressure on biodiversity and the ecological balance," he said. "During their growth and reproduction, jellyfish can generate a significant amount of biomass, whose decomposition may deplete oxygen in the water, causing deterioration of water quality. The death and decay of jellyfish can release harmful substances, further affecting water quality."

The city also breeds jellyfish to meet market demand. Since 2020, it has released 520 million jellyfish larvae.

This has played a vital role in the recovery of jellyfish resources and also increased fishermen's income, according to Yang Zhuo, an official from Yingkou's publicity department.

In 2024, with an investment of 2 million yuan, the city released 70 million jellyfish larvae.

Since 2018, the city has hosted an annual jellyfish festival to attract investment and promote the opening-up of aquaculture. It also organizes for companies involved in the industry to attend large fisheries exhibitions and sales fairs in other provinces to seek business opportunities.

In recent years, the revenue from jellyfish processing companies saw a decline because of the COVID-19 pandemic and downward pressure on the global economy. The city is exploring ways to boost domestic demands, such as the promotion of hot pot jellyfish in Chongqing, Sichuan province and Guangdong province, said Yang.

The local government is also encouraging companies to improve deep-processing techniques, innovate in developing new products such as multiple-flavor instant food, and expand online selling channels.