China Leads In Low Carbon Fisheries

As noted at the forum, China’s fisheries have greatly contributed to carbon dioxide emission reduction. Large algae transform dissolved inorganic carbon in seawater into organic carbon through photosynthesis; and shellfish use marine carbon for better growth.

Therefore the culture of algae and shellfish in shallow sea areas in China not only provides large amount of quality and healthy marine food to humans, but also contributes to carbon dioxide emission reduction, representing a human production activity of dual benefits.

According the calculation based on the current output of algae and shellfish, about 1.3 million tons of carbon is removed from the water body through marine culture annually. It is estimated that by 2030, the total output of marine culture would reach 25 million tons; and by 2050, it would amount to 35 million tons. This will further drive the increase of carbon sequestration in fisheries, and enable the amount of carbon sequestrated through marine culture to total over four million tons, of which 1.8 million tons is from shellfish culture and 2.35 million tons is from algae culture.

At the forum, 40 experts aired their views. On the basis of the policies and measures aimed at effective response to global climate change and sustainable agricultural development. They gave a comprehensive evaluation of the progress and weaknesses in terms of energy saving and emission reduction activities and low-carbon technology in fisheries; and put forward clear requirements for development of carbon sequestration and low-carbon technology in fisheries. Ideas included saving resources and restoring the environment, and facilitating attainment of emission reduction goals set by the state to meet the current demand, as well as developing new-type clean energy and promoting carbon sequestration in fisheries, and realising sustainable fishery development with a view of the long-term goals.