About 100,000 large yellow croaker fries are released into the sea on May 21 in circular gravity net cages. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

The first batch of about 100,000 large yellow croaker fries from Zhouhai Marine Ranch in Rudong county, Nantong, Jiangsu province, was released into sea on May 21 and began their growth journey in circular gravity net cages.

The circular gravity net cage and small-scale breeding ship used by the ranch currently contribute to a total aquaculture water volume of 3,000 cubic meters. The excellent water environment and professional farming equipment have laid a solid foundation for the growth and breeding of large yellow croakers.

The ranch plans to release 5 million yellow croaker fries this year. These fish fries were previously raised and scaled in land-based factory workshops, with strong physical fitness and adaptability. Now, they will be bred into high-quality adult fish in natural marine environments with high flow rates and low densities.

The relay mode is a highlight, capable of solving the development problems posed by crowded and insufficient carrying capacity in nearshore aquaculture space. It can also break seasonal aquaculture restrictions and achieve year-round standardized production without interruption.

According to the breeding plan, the ranch is expected to produce 2,000 metric tons of wild simulated yellow croakers this year.