IHB and Hubei Fisheries Group formalized a strategic partnership to advance aquaculture development in Hubei Province on October 30, 2024. (Credit: IHB)

On October 30, 2024, the Institute of Hydrobiology (IHB) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Hubei Fisheries Group formalized a strategic partnership to advance aquaculture development in Hubei Province. The agreement, signed at a ceremony attended by senior leaders from both organizations, aims to foster collaboration on innovative projects and drive high-quality growth in the region's aquaculture sector.

Speaking at the event, HU Wei, deputy director of IHB, underscored Hubei’s status as a major aquaculture hub and praised the provincial government’s efforts to support the industry with targeted policies, such as initiatives for crayfish and eel farming. “This agreement represents a new chapter in our partnership,” Hu said, emphasizing the shared goal of leveraging mutual strengths to build a sustainable and prosperous future for Hubei’s fisheries.

LV Kexian, chairman of Hubei Fisheries Group, highlighted the importance of the collaboration. “This partnership is a milestone for both sides as we work together to strengthen technological innovation, promote the commercialization of research outcomes, and establish cutting-edge platforms,” Lv said. He expressed confidence that the agreement would help position Hubei as a national leader in modern aquaculture.

The agreement was signed by ZHANG Haiyang, deputy head of IHB’s Office of Research and Technology Development, and LIAO Shuangwen, general manager of Hubei Fisheries Group. The signing was followed by discussions to outline specific areas of focus, including breeding and seed development for key freshwater species like eel and bighead carp, feed innovation, disease prevention, ecological aquaculture practices, and wastewater treatment solutions.

Both parties pledged to integrate their expertise and resources to address industry challenges and pioneer sustainable practices.

The event was attended by senior representatives from both organizations, including KE Liang, deputy general manager of Hubei Fisheries Group, and researchers from IHB’s Research Center for Aquatic Genetic Innovation and Future Fishery Development.