A "digital fishery" pond is seen in Nansha district, Guangzhou, Guangdong province. (PHOTO / PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)
In Nansha district, Guangzhou, fishermen are utilizing digital technology to raise shrimp and fish. The integration of fishery production and information technology allows for real-time monitoring, data analysis, and precision management of the aquaculture process, resulting in improved breeding efficiency and product quality.
In this "digital fishery", various aspects of aquaculture in the pond, such as oxygen injection, water filling and feed distribution, can be managed remotely by pressing corresponding buttons on devices.
In addition, unmanned vehicles are also used to carry and transport the feed into the feed bin by following a pre-set track. When required, the automatic feeding machine will dispense scientifically formulated feed into the research pond. Timely and standardized feeding can improve the quality and taste of the products.
The primary design concept of the digital fish farm is to create a leading smart aquaculture industry model through intelligent facility and water circulation ecological systems. Currently, we have successfully submitted applications for four patents.
Huang Zhijun, Manager of the new agriculture research center at Nansha Modern Agricultural Cooperation
A large screen displays the status of the fish ponds, such as real-time pH levels, dissolved oxygen, acidity, and turbidity. With these indicators, the staff can automatically regulate the water quality of the pond's circulation system and control the aquaculture environment intelligently, including managing oxygen supply and water flow, aimed at enhancing the fish's growth rate and overall health.
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The digital fishery pond is a demonstration project of future fishery ecological intelligence and sustainable research, constructed by Nansha Modern Agricultural Cooperation. It is planned to cover a total area of 206 hectares. It targets to achieve technological, ecological, and sustainable aquaculture, by increasing productivity, added value and income.
"We use drones to distribute feed in shrimp ponds, as it helps to evenly spread the feed while feeding the shrimp,” said Huang Zhijun, manager of the new agriculture research center at the firm.
"The primary design concept of the digital fish farm is to create a leading smart aquaculture industry model through intelligent facility and water circulation ecological systems. Currently, we have successfully submitted applications for four patents,” Huang added.
A screen of a "digital fishery" displays the status of the fish ponds, such as real-time pH levels, dissolved oxygen, and acidity, in Nansha district, Guangzhou, Guangdong province. (PHOTO / PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)
“Furthermore, the project emphasizes combining high technology and ecological-friendly aquaculture. Mulberry trees are planted around the ponds. Mulberry leaves can be used to feed silkworms, and the silkworm waste is used to feed the fish fry. Subsequently, we filter the fish excrement, which is then used as fertilizer for the mulberry trees, thus establishing an ecological cycle.
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Huang said these intelligent devices and systems can save human labor and significantly reduce the amount of time required.
Meanwhile, Nansha district is advancing the development of the aquatic seed industry. Taking Suifeng crucian carp as an example, it is the only nationally approved new aquatic variety from Guangdong this year.
It takes only seven months for the new kind to grow from fry to about 500 grams of adult fish, while regular crucian carp typically take more than a year to reach adulthood. In terms of appearance, Suifeng carp has more orderly and attractive scales, which remain intact even after long-distance transportation, said He Jianbo, owner of the Guangzhou Jianbo Fish Fry Farm Co Ltd.
