The East China Sea Fisheries Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences has successfully completed the full-cycle land-based intensive aquaculture of yellow croaker in a low-salinity environment, marking a transformative development for one of China’s most economically important marine species.

The achievement was confirmed during a phased acceptance review at the Fuding Experimental Base in Fujian Province, where the institute’s Large Yellow Croaker Genetic Breeding Innovation Team presented the results of its groundbreaking research.

An expert panel comprising representatives from the Fujian Provincial Fisheries Research Institute, the Fujian Academy of Agricultural Sciences, the Fujian Mindong Fisheries Research Institute, and the Ningde Municipal Fisheries Technology Extension Station conducted a comprehensive evaluation. After reviewing technical reports, examining documentation, carrying out on-site inspections, and performing random sampling measurements, the panel unanimously agreed that the project had met its objectives.

Scientific research at the East China Sea Fisheries Research Institute's aquaculture experimental base in Fuding, Fujian. (Photo by Shi Yao)

Strong Growth Performance in 20-Month Low-Salinity Trial

The trial began in May 2024, when researchers selected fry with an average total length of 6.0 centimeters from the F2 generation of a specially bred current-resistant yellow croaker variety. The fish were raised in a controlled low-salinity environment of 3–5 salinity units, significantly below typical marine conditions.

After 20 months of intensive land-based aquaculture, the results demonstrated strong adaptability and growth:

• Survival rate: 55.6%

• Average total length: 30.9 centimeters

• Average body length: 27.3 centimeters

• Average body weight: 324.4 grams

Reproductive development also progressed successfully. Female gonads were observed at Stage II–III, while male fish reached maturity at Stage IV–V, confirming the feasibility of completing the full life cycle under low-salinity conditions.

High-quality large yellow croaker

Strategic Impact on Sustainable Aquaculture

The breakthrough establishes a crucial germplasm foundation for breeding new low-salinity tolerant yellow croaker varieties. It also provides key technical support for constructing a closed, disease-free production system, reducing biosecurity risks and strengthening the long-term sustainability of the yellow croaker industry.

As yellow croaker remains a flagship species in China’s marine aquaculture sector, this advancement is expected to significantly enhance production resilience, environmental adaptability, and industry competitiveness nationwide.