Yichang's aquaculture sector makes a splash in early 2026
2026-02-28 19:02:10
By Yan Wanqin
Yichang's aquaculture sector has made a strong start this year, with sales of various aquatic products surpassing 25,300 tons by late February, a 3 percent increase from the previous year, according to the Yichang Aquatic Technology Promotion Station.
The momentum is evident at Hubei Chuxun Fishery Co., Ltd., where harvesting is in full swing. The company is taking advantage of the peak sales season for fresh fish, havingsold over 100,000 kilograms of premium sturgeon and perch.
"This particular batch weighs more than 15,000 kilograms and is destined for markets in Harbin," said Xiang Tao, the company's head. He noted that revenue from sturgeon sales alone has exceeded one million yuan (US$145,888).
This strong market performance is driven by scientific aquaculture practices that prioritize quality. At Chuxun Fishery, optimal water temperatures are maintained between 18°C and 25°C using well-water mixing, shade netting, and advanced water filtration systems. Feeding regimens are also tailored to the fish's growth stages, ensuring the production of high-quality sturgeon that commands a premium price.
Yichang's aquaculture sector has made a strong start this year, with sales of various aquatic products surpassing 25,300 tons by late February, a 3 percent increase from the previous year, according to the Yichang Aquatic Technology Promotion Station.
The momentum is evident at Hubei Chuxun Fishery Co., Ltd., where harvesting is in full swing. The company is taking advantage of the peak sales season for fresh fish, havingsold over 100,000 kilograms of premium sturgeon and perch.
"This particular batch weighs more than 15,000 kilograms and is destined for markets in Harbin," said Xiang Tao, the company's head. He noted that revenue from sturgeon sales alone has exceeded one million yuan (US$145,888).
This strong market performance is driven by scientific aquaculture practices that prioritize quality. At Chuxun Fishery, optimal water temperatures are maintained between 18°C and 25°C using well-water mixing, shade netting, and advanced water filtration systems. Feeding regimens are also tailored to the fish's growth stages, ensuring the production of high-quality sturgeon that commands a premium price.
Workers make fish balls at the workshop of Hubei Qinjie Food Co., Ltd.
The sector's vitality extends beyond fresh catches to value-added processing. At Hubei Qinjie Food Co., Ltd., traditional delicacies like fish cakes and fish balls are produced at full capacity to meet surging domestic demand. The company currently outputs 20 tons of fish cakes and 22 tons of fish balls daily, distributing products nationwide.
"This year, we have secured a new partnership with the supermarket chain Aldi, and our market has expanded to Qinghai, Inner Mongolia, and Xinjiang," said founder Qin Lixin.
Aquaculture enterprises in Yichang are also ramping up the harvest and marketing of fresh aquatic products, ensuring a stable supply and a rich variety in the local market to meet consumer demand.
Zhou Chongyu also contributed to this story.
