Moving beyond crowded coastal waters allows for vast expansion of 'farm' maritime land. Photo: Stockfile/FIS

A 'Blue Granary' in the Deep Sea: Salmon 'Move House' as China Launches 15th Five-Year Plan

CHINA
Monday, January 12, 2026, 03:00 (GMT + 9)

As China kicks off its 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030), a revolutionary "relay" farming model is transforming the nation’s maritime economy.

In Yantai, Shandong Province, the first batch of 2026 salmon fingerlings is transitioning from land-based tanks to deep-sea cages, marking a significant step in the country's quest to build a sustainable "Blue Granary."

From Land to Sea: The Saltwater Transition

The journey began at 7:00 AM in Yantai, where engineers prepared the young salmon for their "move." Unlike traditional coastal farming, this "land-sea relay" involves a meticulous salinization process. In specialized tanks, fresh water is gradually mixed with seawater to help the fingerlings adapt to the osmotic pressure of the open ocean.

Niu Zhibing, a Senior Engineer at Shandong Yantai Jinghai Fishery, emphasized the precision required: "This is the first batch of the year. We are refining every detail of the salinization process to ensure a high survival rate and a successful harvest once they hit the ocean."

Breaking Limits with Deep-Sea Technology

After an 8-hour transport by specialized live-fish vessels, the salmon reach massive deep-sea cages located kilometers offshore. This shift solves several critical issues facing the industry:

• Spatial Constraints: Moving beyond crowded coastal waters allows for vast expansion of "arable" maritime land.

• Environmental Quality: Deep-sea currents provide higher oxygen levels and stable temperatures, which are essential for salmon health.

• Product Quality: According to Li Xin, Marketing Director at Jinghai Fishery, the deep-sea environment significantly enhances the texture and nutritional value of the fish.

"By tapping into deep-sea resources, we aren't just increasing volume; we are providing the market with a premium product that rivals imported varieties," says Li.

Strategic Context: The 15th Five-Year Plan

This initiative is part of a broader national strategy to ensure food security by diversifying protein sources. By "farming the sea," China aims to reduce its reliance on wild-caught fisheries and imported salmon.

Experts note that the 15th Five-Year Plan prioritizes "Green Development" and "Blue Economy" sectors. The success in Yantai serves as a blueprint for other maritime provinces, utilizing high-tech monitoring and automated feeding systems to turn the Yellow Sea and Bohai Sea into productive, high-tech pastures.

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