China’s Largest Fishery Research Vessel Leaves for First Overseas Survey Mission To Indian Ocean

The largest Chinese Fishery Vessel has embarked on its maiden overseas survey operation. The Lan Hai 201 sailed from Shanghai to survey the northwestern part of the Indian Ocean.

Video Credits: WION

The vessel weighs 3289 tonnes, is 84.5 m long and 15 m wide, and is fitted with the latest scientific investigation equipment.

The Director of the East China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Fang Hui, mentioned that the high seas are a vital source of protein and strategically crucial for devising a marine strategy.

He added that regular surveys are needed to achieve sustainable growth of fishery resources and also ensure Chinese maritime rights in the region.

The journey, covering 100 sites in four months, will also record the biological diversity of the fishery resources and the hydrological and meteorological elements around them.

The ship’s Captain, Tang Xiolin, said that this survey mission could bring the country to the forefront regarding fishery governance. China is a major consumer of seafood and the world’s largest exporter of seafood, given its huge fleet of ships.

However, China has also been blamed for depleting the fishery stocks and wreaking havoc on the maritime ecosystems after it has exhausted its own fishery resources.

Chinese ships have been a part of skirmishes regarding fishing grounds belonging to other countries, mostly low-income nations.

Per a London-based think tank study, China’s distant-water fleet has around 1700 ships. China has vowed to control its size; however, it is still behind the developed countries regarding cataloguing fishery resources and contributing to developing the fisheries sector.

China aims to optimise and strengthen its scientific foundations, increase regulations, participate in international fisheries governance, and improve the policy network.

Chinese authorities have said that by 2025, the country’s fleet will become stable, and there will be fewer accidents and violations with more efficient supervision. Efforts will be put into implementing international policies and agreements.

References: WION, SCMP

Do you have info to share with us ? Suggest a correction

About Author

Marine Insight News Network is a premier source for up-to-date, comprehensive, and insightful coverage of the maritime industry. Dedicated to offering the latest news, trends, and analyses in shipping, marine technology, regulations, and global maritime affairs, Marine Insight News Network prides itself on delivering accurate, engaging, and relevant information.