Fish farming in Ningde City of east China's Fujian Province has undergone a transformation, thanks to the more scientific methods to breed and cultivate higher-quality fish species.
Ningde produces over 80 percent of the country's supply of large yellow croaker, a popular commercial fish.
At one of the city's breeding centers, researchers are working to improve the genetics of this beloved fish species on Chinese dinner tables.
After generations of selective breeding and farming, the fish now grow faster and are more adaptive to different environments.
"Our institute has developed the 'Donghai gene-chip No.1', which can be used to select and identify the significant traits, such as those related to enhanced growth and improved muscle elasticity," said Liu Shengyu, an associate research fellow from East China Sea Fisheries Research Institute.
In addition to research in the lab, fish farming methods in Ningde have also been transformed. Fish farmers now use large, deep-water breeding cages to provide a better growing environment for the fish.
"After the transformation, the fish are growing better and their quality has improved. Originally, the fish cages were 3.3 meters by 3.3 meters, but now they are 24 meters by 24 meters with a depth of 12 meters. Their whole living space is different," said president of Fujian Sanduao Foods You Weide that now owns one of the largest sea farms in Ningde.
A set of equipment is also used to monitor the water quality, and make sure it is in the best possible condition for the fish to flourish.
"The equipment can ensure the proper temperature and salinity levels, and provide dissolved oxygen in water every day," said Song Xiangguo, a local fish farmer.
The rich fisheries in Ningde are a key pillar of the local economy. Data shows that in 2023, the total output value of the city's large yellow croaker industry exceeded 2.7 billion U.S. dollars.
East China's Ningde City breeds better-quality fish with scientific methods
A major port in northern Venezuela came under U.S. airstrikes in the early hours of January 3, which caused extensive damage to civilian infrastructure, destroyed critical medical supplies in a warehouse, and severely impacted centuries-old cultural heritage sites, according to local residents.
The La Guaira Port, a vital hub for imports that support daily life in the region, was heavily damaged during the attack.
Large quantities of medical supplies stored at the port were destroyed. A historic cultural building dating back for some 300 years was also badly damaged by the bombardment.
Residents living near the port recalled the terrifying scenes as explosions shook nearby neighborhoods.
Humberto Bolivar, who lives in a community separated from the port by only a main road, said the blast waves shattered his home's windows, while stray shrapnel struck the water tank on his roof. According to reports, three missiles were fired at the port that night.
Bolivar said that beyond material losses, he is most concerned about the psychological impact on his children, who remain too frightened to leave their home days after the attack.
"The United States invaded our country. The children were frightened. This is not good for them, because it leaves some children with psychological trauma. They do not want to go to school or leave the house, because they are afraid that something worse might happen. We truly do not want this to happen to our country," he said.
Apart from civilian facilities, local cultural heritage site was also affected.
The La Guaira state government building, a structure with nearly 300 years of history and once served as the site of Venezuela's first national customs office, was struck by the force of the explosions.
Windows of the building were shattered, and furniture scattered across the floor.
"As people of La Guaira, we feel deep pain. Our cultural heritage has been bombed. We are living in constant anxiety and suffering, and life can no longer be the same as it was before," said a local named Henry Cumares.
The U.S. side has claimed the airstrikes targeted warehouses allegedly used to store narcotics. However, locals refuted such accusation.
"According to what Donald Trump said, they bombed this place using the excuse that the warehouses here were used to store drugs at the port. But based on the video released by our governor, these warehouses that were burned contained medicine for kidney patients and foods. Many people depend on these supplies to survive. I think the bombing is extremely despicable," said a local resident named Alejandro Capriles.
US strike hits Venezuelan port, wrecking medical supplies, heritage building
