A marine technology company in Yantai is expanding its deep-sea aquaculture operations as part of the city's efforts to develop a modern marine economy.

Since April, the company has stocked 80,000 kilograms of fish fry, including Schlegel's black rockfish and black scraper, in 3,000 mu (200 hectares) of offshore net cages.

The harvest is expected to reach 200,000 kg by autumn, with an estimated output value of more than 10 million yuan ($1.47 million). According to Li Haizhou, the company's deputy general manager, breeding areas for filefish and rockfish have expanded fivefold and sixfold, respectively, compared with last year. The company has introduced high-quality, wild-acclimated fry and upgraded its farming techniques to improve survival rates and reduce the impact of offshore winds and waves. 

Beyond traditional aquaculture, the company is building a comprehensive marine industry chain that integrates ecological farming, leisure fisheries and tourism. It operates 76 gravity-type deep-water net cages and nearshore shellfish farms, and is developing offshore platforms for recreational fishing, sightseeing and other visitor experiences. A seafood dining and leisure complex is also under development to support marine tourism and consumption.

Looking ahead, the company aims to transition from a traditional fishery enterprise into a marine service provider. It plans to further invest in land-based factory farming and upgraded recreational tourism, continuing to inject new momentum into Yantai's thriving marine economy.

An aerial view shows neatly arranged gravity-type deep-water net cages in the Bajiaowan offshore aquaculture area in Yantai, Shandong province. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]