කාන්තාරෙ මැද්දෙත් වවන මූදු මාළු!

Seafood farming thrives in Taklamakan Desert

An aquaculture base deep in the Taklamakan Desert of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region has achieved remarkable success in seafood farming, with various species such as pearl oysters, grouper, and seabass flourishing in the desert environment.

Located in Qiemo County, Bayingolin Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture, the facility utilizes advanced technology, including oxygenators and automated feeders, to maintain optimal conditions for marine fish growing in the ponds.

Covering approximately 1.3 hectares, the site includes two fish ponds, a breeding pool, and a seafood production workshop. It began operations in June after three months of construction.

The ponds currently host around 100,000 marine fish, including golden pomfret, grouper, and seabass, as well as two million pearl oyster seedlings and other aquatic species for trial farming.

"Our fish have grown from 3 centimeters to 8 or 9 centimeters, showing excellent growth. All of them are marine species. If things go on well, the first batch of fish will be market-ready in about four months," said Gong Yonghong, chairman of Shishixian Aquaculture Company.

Adapting to local conditions, the facility uses desert saline-alkaline water combined with specially produced microorganisms to replicate marine conditions, marking a significant innovation in aquaculture.

Specialized technicians at the base have been closely monitoring fish growth, adjusting farming strategies as needed, and maintaining a high survival rate through rigorous water quality testing and microbial treatment, ensuring the success of seafood farming in the desert.

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