Shiliuyun-Xinjiang Daily (Reporter Liu Yi) news: According to the Fisheries Development Center (Institute of Fisheries Science) of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region on February 10, 2025, thanks to the promotion and application of a series of new technologies, Xinjiang is expected to account for over 30 percent of China’s fresh salmon output this year. The region is gradually establishing itself as a key supplier of high-quality specialty fish, including salmon.

File photo shows the salmon farm of Xinjiang Tianyun Organic Agriculture Co., Ltd. in Kalasu township, Nilka County, Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Despite its distance from the ocean, Xinjiang boasts over 3.67 million hectares of suitable fishing waters. The cold water resources formed by melting snow from high mountains, are characterized by excellent water quality and high oxygen levels, making them ideal for the growth of cold-water fish such as salmon and Coregonus peled. These premium resources enable Xinjiang, despite being inland, to effectively develop its fisheries sector.

"The key is to address the technological gaps," said Zhang Renming, chief expert of the Xinjiang Cold-Water Fish Industry Technology System. In recent years, this system has organized expert teams to work on the frontlines of fisheries production. They focus on technological research and demonstration services across the entire cold-water fish industry chain, including genetic breeding, nutrition and feed, farming models, disease prevention, and product quality safety.

In the farming production phase, researchers have integrated and innovated various farming models, and developed eco-friendly net cage farming techniques, which allow for precise feeding control, effectively reduce pollution emissions during the farming process, and enhance water resource utilization. Demonstration sites have been established in multiple water areas of Nilka County, yielding positive results.

In 2024, the ecological and environmentally friendly net cage aquaculture technology was extensively promoted in the production of salmon at the Qiafuqihai Reservoir in Gongliu County. A total of 60 fish cages with a diameter of 63 meters were established, covering an area of 21.8 hectares, resulting in an additional salmon yield of 1,300 tons. This elevated the annual salmon production in Xinjiang from 6,700 tons to over 8,000 tons, marking an increase of nearly 20 percent. Last year, the technology was also introduced in regions such as Altay and Kashi.

Simultaneously, the issue of Xinjiang's reliance on imported triploid rainbow trout fry is being addressed. Researchers have conducted studies on the artificial breeding technology for triploid rainbow trout, achieving breakthroughs in several critical areas through two years of comparative research. The hatching rate and survival rate of the fry have both reached 80 percent. Currently, this research has produced 25,000 triploid rainbow trout fry, laying the groundwork for further promotion and application.

This year, Xinjiang will continue to focus on the technological advancements in triploid rainbow trout breeding and promote advanced aquaculture models. Various regions will leverage the expertise of the cold-water fish industry technology system to explore the utilization of large water surfaces in lakes and reservoirs, as well as mountain spring water and irrigation water. By effectively utilizing resources, such as salmon and high-quality Coregonus peled, the aim is to continuously enhance fishery productivity and overall benefits.

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