Zhanjiang Bay Laboratory. HE QIRUI/FOR CHINA DAILY

Zhanjiang, a major hub for China's marine economy, has embraced a dual focus on developing its marine economy while protecting its ecology, achieving a balance between economic growth and sustainability.

The city has maintained its leading position in marine fishery output and value in Guangdong province for 30 years. Serving as a stabilizer for high-quality development, its marine economy ranked 19th nationwide and third in Guangdong in terms of competitiveness in 2025.

According to Zhao Gang, director of the Zhanjiang ocean and fisheries bureau, Zhanjiang's gross marine product grew by 47.51 billion yuan ($6.83 billion) from 2020 to 2024, marking a 56.7 percent increase. The marine economy's contribution to GDP rose from 27 percent to 34.2 percent, making it a key driver of the city's growth.

Zhanjiang's marine ranching efforts have also emerged as a key component of that economy. Home to four deep-sea net cage aquaculture clusters — Zhanjiang Bay, Leizhou Bay, Liusha Bay and Caotan Bay — the city boasts a total aquaculture volume of 18.6 million cubic meters, accounting for 35 percent of Guangdong's large aquaculture platforms.

Building on these strengths, Zhanjiang has become a hub of marine innovation, drawing upon resources provided by Guangdong Ocean University and Zhanjiang Bay Laboratory. Breakthroughs in the localized artificial breeding technology of key species, such as the Naozhou golden pomfret, and expanded breeding success across eight species underscore the city's expertise. With 480 seedling farms — 23.6 percent of Guangdong's total — Zhanjiang has established itself as the province's leading center for marine seed innovation.

In equipment manufacturing, the launch of Zhanjiang Bay No 1, the world's first floating dynamic positioning aquaculture platform, heralds a new era of smart deep-sea aquaculture. Alongside harvests from large aquaculture platforms, including the Havwii series, Hengyi No 1 and Zhannong No 1, Zhanjiang is leading in modern marine ranching for scale and technological advancement in the province.

Zhanjiang exports aquatic products to more than 40 countries and regions. Its marine industries encompass fisheries, oil and gas, chemicals, and tourism, each contributing over 10 billion yuan in added value to the economy. Marine tourism is experiencing the fastest growth, at a rate of 17.49 percent.

Emerging industries, such as marine pharmaceuticals and bioproducts, have also shown potential, growing by 23.31 percent over the past five years. The city's port industry cluster has witnessed significant advancements as well, driven by projects on Donghai Island, including that of Zhongke (Guangdong) Refinery and Petrochemical, forming a coastal industrial cluster with output exceeding 100 billion yuan.

Zhanjiang remained steadfast in its commitment to ecological priorities and green development during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-25), Zhao emphasized. The city has adopted innovative and eco-friendly aquaculture models such as the "mangroves and green crabs" and "shellfish and algae" mixed farming systems. A three-dimensional aquaculture framework of underwater, midwater and surface farming ensures a sustainable balance between fisheries and water resources.

During the 14th Five-Year Plan period, Zhanjiang planted 2,418 hectares of mangroves and restored 1,404 hectares, bringing the total area to 6,667.79 hectares — 21.5 percent of the national total.

In addition to its ecological achievements, Zhanjiang has implemented a marine monitoring system, enabling real-time tracking of water quality and ecological indicators to manage environmental risks such as algae. The city has also promoted ecological tourism initiatives, including attractions such as the "Edge of the Sea" boardwalk.

According to Cen Jian, president of the Zhanjiang Association of Aquatic Products Import & Export, the city will leverage its marine resources to transform into a distinctive modern marine city. To that end, the city plans to optimize the layout of its marine economy. By focusing on industry chains and spatial arrangements, Zhanjiang seeks to enhance its marine industry framework, forming a modern marine enterprise matrix. Efforts include fostering interconnected industry chains, promoting high-value segments, and enhancing industrial resilience.

The city also aims to achieve breakthroughs in key technologies and encourage the implementation of advancements, particularly in aquatic breeding innovation, maritime equipment research and development, and smart ocean exploration. These efforts are designed to transform the marine economy from being resource-driven to being innovation-driven.

Zhanjiang's focus extends to enhancing its marine economy branding while championing green and sustainable practices. Leveraging its strengths in portside industries, marine biopharmaceuticals and marine engineering equipment, the city will expand its industrial influence while developing unique coastal tourism offerings to become an international destination.

At the same time, Zhanjiang will continue championing green, low-carbon growth in its marine economy. With a focus on balancing development and ecological protection, the city is advancing marine restoration, sustainable aquaculture and a new energy system, paving the way for a more sustainable and successful future.

Chinese white dolphins swim in Zhanjiang waters. WU DONGJUN/FOR CHINA DAILY