PHNOM PENH: Despite their differing climates, the technology and management experience behind the successful aquaculture industry in China’s Fujian province could offer useful lessons for Cambodia and other Asean countries, according to Chinese aquaculture entrepreneur You Weide.
You, chairman of Ningde Guanjinyang Large Yellow Croaker Breeding Co Ltd, Fujian Sandu’ao Foods Co Ltd and Fujian Sanduao Logistics Co Ltd, said the value of Ningde’s experience for South-East Asia lies not in replicating the farming of the same croaker fish, but in adapting its breeding technology, production standards and integrated supply chain to locally suitable aquatic species.
“The natural conditions in Asean countries are not suitable for raising the same species, but our aquaculture technology and management experience can still be shared,” You explained, during a presentation on the development of the industry.
“Each country can select species suited to its own environment and apply our experience in breeding, feeding, disease prevention, quality control and processing,” he added.
The large yellow croaker is native to the coastal waters of eastern China and has become closely associated with Ningde, where sheltered bays, deep water and suitable currents provide favourable conditions for its cultivation.
The species was once severely depleted in the wild, but government support, scientific research and advances in breeding technology have seen in develop it into a commercially farmed product and an important source of income for coastal communities.
You said the industry’s development demonstrated how research, public policy, private investment and community participation could work together to revive an important aquatic resource while creating jobs and strengthening the local economy.
“In the past, fishermen here lived very difficult lives. With the development of the aquaculture industry and improvements in technology, their livelihoods have gradually become better,” he noted, through an interpreter.
The Ningde model covers several stages of the production chain, including broodstock selection, hatchery development, cage farming, specialised feed, disease management, processing, packaging and distribution.
The companies have invested heavily in research into fish breeding and feeding, while introducing modern cages and mechanised feeding systems to increase production efficiency.
Different equipment and feed are also used for other aquatic products, including abalone, lobster and shrimp, demonstrating how aquaculture technology can be adjusted according to the needs of each species.
Asean journalists enjoy the fruits of the aquaculture technology, with a meal of croaker at a local restaurant. Hong Raksmey
For Cambodia and other Asean countries, this species-specific approach is especially relevant, as Cambodia has different water temperatures, ecological conditions and locally important freshwater and marine species.
You noted that strict quality control was essential at every stage, particularly for products intended for demanding markets. Modern machinery is used for cleaning and packaging, while products are inspected before distribution.
“Our system controls every stage of production to ensure that local products meet good quality standards,” he said.
“Quality is very important, and appearance and colour also influence whether consumers accept the product,” he added.
The development of processing and logistics alongside fish farming has allowed the companies to move beyond the sale of unprocessed fish. This integrated approach could be another useful reference for ASEAN producers, who often face constraints in cold-chain infrastructure, storage, packaging and access to higher-value markets.
You noted that government involvement had also played an important role in the industry’s expansion, including support for research, improved equipment and better fish breeds.
“The local and central governments have paid close attention to the industry. They have supported the introduction of new facilities, machinery and technology,” he highlighted.
However, he stressed that expanding aquaculture must not come at the expense of the marine environment. Clean water and healthy coastal ecosystems are essential to maintaining fish health and production quality over the long term.
The aquaculture industry has brought economic development to the region. Hong Raksmey
“We depend on the sea for our livelihoods, so we must protect it well if we want to continue benefiting from it in a sustainable way,” he said.
The industry’s expansion has also changed employment patterns in coastal communities. While many local residents continue to work in fish farming, younger people who attend university can return to take up technical, administrative and processing jobs in aquaculture companies.
You said this combination of traditional knowledge, professional training and modern technology had helped transform fish farming into a broader industry capable of supporting both rural livelihoods and skilled employment.
He has long worked in aquatic breeding, aquaculture and seafood processing and has held positions in several fisheries and agricultural industry associations in Fujian and Ningde.
His companies have been recognised at national and provincial levels in China’s agricultural industrialisation and fisheries sectors. He has also reportedly donated 38.76 million yuan (approximately US$5.8 million) to development projects including a primary school, assistance for disadvantaged university students, roads, drinking-water systems and activity centres for elderly residents.
For Cambodia, adapting the lessons of Fujian aquaculture to native and commercially viable species could help increase production, strengthen food security and raise incomes in fishing communities without relying on an ecologically unsuitable imported species. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
