Marine haven builds on its fresh foods

Located at the southern tip of the Chinese mainland, Zhanjiang in Guangdong province is a renowned seafood production region.

More than 1,000 fish species can be found in Zhanjiang and the neighboring South China Sea, with more than 30 species having high economic value.

In comparison, the number of fish species in the Yellow and Bohai seas in the north is about 250, with about a dozen having high economic value.

Compared to production sites in the temperate and cold zones, seafood produced in Zhanjiang, which is within a subtropical zone, features less fat and more protein, meaning it's more pleasant to eat and is healthier.

The city is located in an ancient volcanic zone, with rivers and streams bringing volcanic ash with rich minerals and microelements to the sea, resulting in a marine ecology featuring far more plankton than most oceanic regions.

Zhanjiang's marine ecology also features the largest mangrove area in the country, offering a unique haven for plankton, fish and other marine species.

The mangroves have played an important role in purifying the seawater, meaning seafood from Zhanjiang is among the cleanest in the country.

The pointed purple clam produced in Wuchuan is the most unique produce. The city is also the nation's leading prawn production base, ranking first in cultivation area, output and exports. It currently accounts for about two-thirds of China's total prawn output.

Other local products that have been favored by consumers also include abalones and lobsters from Luzhou Island, an ancient volcanic site.

Based on its rich resources, a number of seafood processing enterprises have gained national and international renown.

Zhanjiang Guolian Aquatic Products Co is China's largest exporter of prawns to the United States, accounting for about 40 percent of China's exports of the product to the US.

Zhanjiang is leading the fishing and aquaculture industry in Guangdong province, with a complete industrial chain from research, breeding, cultivation, processing, storage to exports.

To showcase its high-quality seafood and enhance international cooperation, Zhanjiang will host the 2016 China International Aquatic Products Expo from July 18 to 20.

The expo is designed to build a platform for local companies to expand international markets and use international resources to upgrade the local industry.

A highlight of this year's expo is the 2016 China Seafood Procurement Fair from June 18 to 19 that is aimed to help buyers from home and abroad discuss cooperation directly with local suppliers.

There will also be a China Seafood Gourmets' Festival, where about 1,500 diners will be served every day during the festival.

zhaoshijun@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 05/30/2016 page8)