China and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) co hosted a side event on aquaculture innovation during the 37th Session of the Committee on Fisheries in Rome, where representatives from multiple countries and international organizations exchanged views on sustainable practices and technological advances.
The meeting ran from September 7 to 11 under the theme "Advancing Aquaculture Innovation for Green and Sustainable Development." Delegates discussed technological innovation, regional cooperation, and development in the aquaculture sector.
China highlighted its explorations and practices in sustainable aquaculture, modern facility equipment, and digital management.
In 2025, China's aquaculture output reached 63.26 million tons, accounting for 83 percent of the country's total aquatic product output.
New technologies such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and deep sea aquaculture equipment have increasingly entered production in recent years, driving the sector’s shift toward greener and smarter practices.
"Technological innovation has also driven innovation in farming models. We have promoted integrated rice-fish farming, where a single field of water serves two purposes and one paddy yields multiple harvests," said Zhang Wenbo, associate professor at Shanghai Ocean University.
Participants at the meeting noted that with growing pressure on water and land resources, the global aquaculture sector must increasingly turn to technological innovation to boost productivity.
"I think China is doing a lot of these innovations in aquaculture, which many of our member countries can learn from," said Eduardo Leano, director-general of Network of Aquaculture Centres in Asia-Pacific.
During the meeting, China set up an exhibition at FAO headquarters themed on the 10-year Yangtze River fishing ban, highlighting progress in law enforcement and supervision, the resettlement and support of retired fishermen, and aquatic biodiversity conservation.
China was also invited to attend a high-level event marking the 10th anniversary of the Port State Measures Agreement, hosted by the FAO. China presented progress on various measures since officially joining the agreement in April 2025, including strict port access controls, the publication of its first batch of 23 designated ports, and standardized vessel inspections.
China showcases aquaculture innovation at FAO fisheries committee meeting in Rome
