The visit of the delegation from the Fisheries and Fishing Administration Office of the Hubei Provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs centered on fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange in the fields of aquaculture wastewater management and sustainable farming practices. (Image by IHB)

On February 27, 2025, the Institute of Hydrobiology (IHB) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences hosted a delegation from the Fisheries and Fishing Administration Office of the Hubei Provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, led by director LIU Chang and deputy director WEI Lei. The visit centered on fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange in the fields of aquaculture wastewater management and sustainable farming practices. 

The roundtable discussion, chaired by WU Xingqiang, Head of IHB’s Office of Research and Technology Development, brought together experts from IHB and the Hubei delegation to explore innovative solutions for addressing the environmental challenges posed by large-scale aquaculture. XIE Shouqi, deputy director of IHB, opened the meeting by highlighting IHB’s dedication to advancing sustainable practices that balance ecological health with economic growth. 

The dialogue centered on the development of green aquaculture models and advanced wastewater treatment technologies. Researchers from IHB presented cutting-edge strategies designed to enhance nutrient utilization and mitigate the environmental impact of aquaculture operations. These solutions are particularly tailored to address the seasonal and high-volume discharge patterns characteristic of large-scale fish farming. 

Director LIU Chang expressed strong appreciation for IHB’s contributions, noting the potential of these models to deliver significant ecological and economic benefits. The discussion underscored the importance of international collaboration in tackling global environmental challenges, with both parties exploring opportunities for future joint initiatives. 

This visit marks a meaningful step in strengthening the partnership between IHB and Hubei Province, paving the way for innovative approaches to sustainable aquaculture that could serve as a model for regions nationwide.