China's 'Seaweed Capital' Xiapu county begins annual harvest

The annual seaweed harvest in Xiapu county in Fujian, known as China's "Seaweed Capital", started recently in its 23,000 hectares of marine farms, which have grown into a pillar industry for the county.

In 2024, the seaweed production exceeded 1.6 million metric tons, with a total output value reaching 3.5 billion yuan ($479 million), according to the latest data from the local government. Besides, the seaweed industry has become a key pillar of the county's marine economy, providing jobs for more than 50,000 people and benefiting over 150,000 residents, it added.