Aquaculture: 1999 Publications

Author: Guo, X.M., Ford, S.E., and Zhang, F.S.
Title: Molluscan aquaculture in China.
Publication: Journal of Shellfish Research 18(1): 19-31, 1999.
© National Shellfisheries Association

Notes:Molluscan aquaculture in China has been growing rapidly in the past decade. China produced 6.4 million metric tons (MMT) of mollusks from aquaculture in 1996, an eightfold increase over that of 1986. At least 32 species of marine mollusks are cultured commercially in China. The 1996 production included 2.3 MMT of oysters, 1.6 MMT of clams (mostly Ruditapes, Meretrix, razor clams, and blood cockles), 1 MMT of scallops, 0.4 MMT of mussels, 700 tons of abalone, and 20 tons of marine pearls. Shandong province is the largest producer of cultured mollusks, followed by Guangdong, Fujian, Liaoning, Guangxi, and Zhejiang provinces (ranked 2-6, respectively). As a generalized pattern, molluscan aquaculture in China is characterized by scallops, abalone, and Manila clams in the northern provinces (Shandong and Liaoning), oysters and pearl oysters in the south (Fujian, Guangdong, and Guangxi), and various clam species in the middle (Zhejiang and Jiangsu). The production technology ranges from simple gathering and stocking of wild seeds for several clam species to sophisticated hatchery and growout operations for abalone and pearl oysters. The rapid development of intensive mariculture during the past decade may have exceeded the carrying capacity of some areas and contributed to deterioration of the culture environment. Abalone and scallop cultures in the north have been seriously affected by diseases and mortalities in recent years.