Research report on China s trash fish fisheries Greenpeace East-Asia 2017

Transcription

1 Research report on China s trash fish fisheries Greenpeace East-Asia 2017 Definition: Trash fish: in this study, trash fish refers to those leftovers on the port, which are usually mixture of poorly preserved, small sized and low commercial valued species of fishes and invertebrates. Not directly consumed by human, trash fish are mainly used as feeds (mainly as fish feeds and also as feeds for other types of animals). Trash fish normally contains groups of species as following: Commercial species: comparatively high in commercial value, with larger production volume o Edible commercial species : fish and invertebrate species that could be consumed directly by humans if they were allowed to grow larger to mature or beyond mature body sizes o Non-edible commercial species: species that would not be consumed directly by humans even if they did grow to meet mature standard. Instead they are of value for processing into fish meal, fish oil and other non-food products Non-commercial species: low in commercial value, no scalable production volume In this research we mainly analyzed the fish samples based on the categorization above. Each fish individual can be divided into either mature or immature (=juvenile) stages : Juvenile fish: individuals which have not yet attained sexual maturation Adult fish: individuals with reproductive capability 1

2 Preface The 21st Century has brought with it a major challenge for mankind; one that has yet to be met. For the first time in our history we have entered a crisis of seafood supply. Our growing human populations and burgeoning demand for nutritious and plentiful seafood has exceeded what wild nature can supply in perpetuity. While we now recognize and acknowledge the challenge, we have yet to tackle it. Two simple and closely related questions must be answered. The first is how do we get more food from our seas, when many of the fishes and invertebrates we like to eat are already being overfished (i.e. they are being removed too rapidly than their reproductive rates can compensate for); the second question is how do we produce more fish, by farming, when as currently practiced, farming adds even more pressure to our fisheries and marine ecosystems? The solution is simple, but achieving it is not because to do so we need to be far wiser and take much better control of our fisheries, regarding both what we take from the sea and how we take it. When considering fishing activity, we need to fish less to achieve maximum sustainable yield. For this we must reduce fishing effort, the numbers of people, boats, and gears doing the fishing, down to levels that allow fish and shellfish to grow and reproduce at rates that maximize their production. The challenge faced by fish farming is actually not much different but is particularly important to tackle because there are many people who believe that not only will fish (and shellfish) farming solve our seafood supply problems as wild populations decline but, importantly, by doing so will also solve overfishing. Nothing could be further than the truth when we consider how we currently operate farming operations. Most of the more economically valued, and hence attractive to farm, marine species are fish eaters, particularly carnivorous fishes or invertebrates like shrimps. These species need to eat wild fish, lots of wild fish, and so although farming adds to our seafood supply, it actually increases pressure on wild fish populations. For example, to produce one kg of a commonly cultured carnivore needs between 3 and 15 kg of fish feed, or so-called trash (because they once had not economic value but now are sold for feed) IN CHINESE YOU COULD SUBSTITUTE THE WORD SHATZAYU FOR TRASH FISH fish. These feed fish taken from the wild include the juveniles and food of commercially important food fish for humans. We need to be seriously considering whether, given global overfishing, we should be allowing these fish-feed fish to grow and affordably feed many people, rather than provide fish feed for relatively few expensive fish. How best to develop fish farming s role as a contribution to food security and how best to use feed or trash fish and invertebrates can only be determined by better understanding the volumes involved and the possible implications for the future health of marine ecosystems. Given China s major importance globally, both as a seafood consumer and as a seafood farming nation, the question is extremely important and relevant. This Greenpeace study, which is one of very few that I know of globally, and the first of its kind in China, provides extremely important insights into the volumes, sizes and types of fishes and invertebrates being used for fish farming (both marine and freshwater species) in China today. The results of the study are clear; current fishing practices for feed fish are not biologically sustainable and it is only sustainable fisheries that can potentially bring more benefits, food and income, to 2

3 Chinese people into the long term. Too many immature fish of too many species are being taken too quickly than can be sustained at present. Something clearly has to change if China is not to lose more of its self-sufficiency for seafood and depend ever more heavily on the rest of the world for imports. Looking to the future and a genuine and eco-civilized approach to seafood production, whether from wild populations or through farming requires, knowledge, planning and an attitude of responsibility. As a major fishing nation globally, it matters very much to the rest of the world what China does. We are at a time in history when there is a wonderful opportunity for the country, with its deep fish farming history and massive fishing capacity, to set a good example and to lead the way. If China can find how to make fish farming more sustainable by perhaps focusing on less fish-hungry species or using science to develop alternatives to wild fish feed, then much progress can be made. With the status quo it will sink deeper into seafood debt. Which future path will China take? That is the challenge. Yvonne Sadovy de Mitcheson Professor, Swire Institute of Marine Science University of Hong Kong IUCN Groupers & Wrasses Specialist Group Director, Science & Conservation of Fish Aggregations 3

4 Main findings 1. Fishing for trash fish has a broad impact on the state of resources of commercial fish, jeopardizing commercial fish in juvenile stages. Findings from 80 samples showed that fishing for trash fish brings greater pressure to China s already over-exploited coastal fishing resources, jeopardizing many juvenile commercial fish. This is of serious concern in regards to the sustainability of such species since a large proportion of individuals are caught before they have been able to mature and replenish their populations for future sustainability. Edible commercial species accounted for 38.61% of all fish in the 80 samples, 75% of which were in their juvenile size range. 218 different species of fish were identified, 96 of which were edible commercial fish. This indicates that current fishing activities of trash fish have broadly impacted the resources of multiple species of edible commercial fish. 44 species were found to have existing stock assessments, 40 of which are categorised as over-exploited and 4 of which are categorised as fully exploited or seeing declining numbers. This shows that trash fish are in dire need of a management infrastructure for sustainable exploitation. 10 of the species found in samples are used in China s marine stock enhancement project, many of which were juvenile, indicating that the national stock enhancement efforts are being impacted by the fishing of trash fish. 2. Nearly half of the total catch by China s domestic trawlers is trash fish 1 Through 5 months of field investigations, between August and December 2016, Greenpeace discovered that trash fish account for about 49% of all trawler catch. 2 That equals about 3 million tons per year, equivalent to the entire annual catch of Japan s fishing industry. Quantities of trash fish caught by the whole of China s domestic fishing fleet over the same period are equal to at least 30% of all catch, or at least 4 million tons.. 3. China s aquaculture industry relies on 7.17 million tons domestic marine fishery resources annually. 3 1 For detailed content see part 1.2 of the report. 2 Trawling is the most common fishing practice in China, contributing to nearly half of China s marine catch and reaching more than 6 million tons in annual catch. 3 For detailed content see part 1.4 of the report. 4

5 The report s research on aquaculture shows that, 76% of China s aquaculture species require trash fish as feed. In 2014, aquaculture demands at least 7.17million tons of China domestic marine fishery resources. The amount of fish feed China s marine fisheries provide for the domestic aquaculture industry is larger than the entire annual catch of the world s second largest fishing power, Indonesia. Another 5.09 million tons was imported mainly as fishmeal or was derived from unclear sources. Aquaculture consumption of trash fish is mainly manifest in direct feeding and production of artificial compound feed (with inputs of fishmeal and fish oil) 4. Regarding fishmeal and fish oil, in 2014, China s aquaculture has consumed 2.51 million tons fish meal in total equal to 7.32 million tons marine fish resources. Of the overall 2.51 million tons fishmeal, at least 0.76 million tons originate from China s domestic fisheries (equals to 2.22 million tons marine fish resources). At least 1.04 million tons originate from outside China s waters (equals to 3.03 million tons). The remaining 0.71 million tons are of unclear sources. Regarding direct feeding of trash fish, Greenpeace East Asia estimates that in 2014, approximately 4.95 million tons of trash fish were used in direct feeding aquacultures, deriving mainly from marine caught trash fish. 66% of the 4.95 million tons (3.24 million tons) has been consumed by marine aquaculture, 1.71 million tons (34%) by freshwater aquaculture. However, information and statistics on the volume, species composition, and origins are often incomplete. 4 Direct investment for feeding is the act of using fresh fish or frozen fresh fish (whole, cut into pieces, beaten into batter) to feed aquaculture fish or shrimp/crab. Fodder is comprised of fish meal and fish oil, both of which are derived from juvenile/trash fish. 5

6 Introduction As the biggest fishing power of the world, China s fishing production accounts for 16% 5 of global total volume, providing over 2 million jobs in the industry 6. China is also blessed with its extreme richness in marine biodiversity, 1/7 of total identified marine creatures have been found in its coastal waters. However, marine resources have been under tremendous pressure since fishing production exceeded maximum sustainable yield in 1990s, and pressure continues to grow 7. Years of overfishing have not only resulted in the decrease of quantity as well as quality of marine resources, but also endangered the marine ecosystem and its biodiversity. Since the 1970s, the major coastal fishing grounds have been fished down to very low levels and, important commercial species have undergone declines resulting in structural changes of the entire food chain, and destabilization of the marine ecosystem. In the meanwhile, fishing patterns have changed for many domestic fishing fleets. Instead of catching high valued, commercial species, now they just aim to catch anything left in the sea. Trash fish (as defined above), as a result, have become their fishing targets. Previous studies have discussed and concluded that trash fish fisheries produce huge amounts and contains highly diversified species 8,9,10,11. While huge amounts of trash fish are being been caught and fisheries production and income increase in the short term as a result, the future potential value and biological sustainability of many edible commercial fish and invertebrate species are being seriously compromised, as well as the long-term economic benefits. China s fishery management has been trying to adapt various measures to better combat overfishing, and restore marine resources, yet the effects have been far from sufficient. One of the main reasons lays in neglecting to consider that, although the total volume of catches remain relatively stable, the catch 5 FAO Fishery and Aquaculture Statistics. Global capture production (FishstatJ). In: FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Department [online]. Rome. Updated Lu Xiaoqiang, Hu Feilong, Xu Haigen, et, al. Status quo, problems and countermeasures of marine biodiversity in China. World Environment, Editorial ,2016(S1) 7 The official data for China s marine total allowance catch is 8 to 9 million tonne. ( However, according to China Fisheries Statistic Year Book, China s marine capture production exceed this limit and kept growing since Funge-Smith, S., Lindebo, E. & Staples, D Asian fisheries today: the production and use of low value/trash fish from marine fisheries in the Asia-Pacific region. Bangkok, FAO APFIC Regional Workshop on Low value and "trash fish" in the Asia-Pacific Region, FAO ftp://ftp.fao.org/docrep/fao/008/ae935e/ae935e00.pdf 10 ZHANG Qiuhua,CHENG Jiahua,XU Hanxiang,et al. The fish-eries resources and its sustainable use in East China Sea[M].Shanghai: Fudan University publication, 2007, page XIA Yi-lu;CHEN Qiong;ZHAO Rong-lei, et al. Comparative Analysis of Species Composition of Low Value/Trash Fish Caught by Single Otter Trawl in Zhoushan Fishing Ground before and after the Closed Fishing Aeason. Journal of Zhejiang Ocean University(Natural Science), 2015(06) 6

7 composition is significantly changing. Comprehensive study specializing on the trash fish issue is lacking 12,13. Without addressing the problems caused by trash fish fishery, syndromes of overfishing cannot be addressed and the marine ecosystem and fishery will undergo further deterioration. As an effort to contribute towards finding the cure, Greenpeace visited 22 major fishing ports in 8 coastal fishing provinces, and conducted field study on the overall volumes, species combination and utilization of trash fish during August to December, The main results are presented in details in this report, as well as recommendations for management measures to address the issue. 12 Cao L, Naylor R, Henriksson P, Leadbitter D, Metian M, Troell M et al. (2015) China s aquaculture and the world s wild fisheries. Science 347: China s aquaculture sector can tip the balance in world fish supplies. 7

8 Chapter 1 - Trash fish fishing and utilizing conditions Considering the lack of statistical data on trash fish production, this study adopts both desktop research and field trips, combined with modelling to produce estimates of the volumes, species combination and utilization of trash fish in China. 1.1 Methodology 1) Capture fisheries for trash fish Desktop research on relevant studies was conducted to collect general ideas on conditions and issues related to the trash fish fishery. Overall, there has not been many research recorded the historical change of the trash fish problem, or researched the trash fish problem from a national level. Zhang Qiuhua s book record that from 1950s to 2000s, in East China Sea, the traditional commercial fish has decreased a lot, the fishing catch increase are mainly from perlagic fish and various small fish 14. In 2001, APFIC s research shows that low value/trash fish accounted for 38% of the total catch from trawlers 15. In 2004, another research by APFIC sampled at three Chinese fishing ports. The survey defined trash fish as fish for non-food use, and defined low value fish as fish for human consumption. The survey revealed that large quantity trash fish and low value fish are taken by trawl and sail stow net gears. The proportion of trash fish is highest in trawl catches for December to May when it constituted over 50 percent of the catch. Between 32 percent and 50 percent of trash fish are juveniles of commercially important fish species. 16 Yang Lin did a series of research on the bycatch in South China Sea , and pointed out that in between 1990 to 1997, in Southern China Sea, the bycatch rate is 60% to 70% and trawlers are with the highest bycatch rate. Various Chinese published papers also pointed out the problem of catching juvenile commercial fish and high bycatch rate by trawlers and set nets ZHANG Qiuhua,CHENG Jiahua,XU Hanxiang,et al. The fish-eries resources and its sustainable use in East China Sea[M].Shanghai: Fudan University publication, S. Funge-Smith, E. Lindebo, D. Staples, Asian fisheries today: The production and use of low value/trash fish from marine fisheries in the Asia-Pacific region (Asia-Pacific Fishery Commission, FAO, Rome, 2005). 16 APFIC Regional Workshop on Low value and "trash fish" in the Asia-Pacific Region ftp://ftp.fao.org/docrep/fao/008/ae935e/ae935e00.pdf 17 Yang Lin, Fishing gear and fishing methods impacts to the marine fisheries resources and marine environment. Modern fisheries information, Yang Lin, Current fishing status in South China Sea and suggestions. Journal of Zhanjiang Ocean University, Yang Lin, Bycatch in the South China Sea and its utilization. Journal of Zhanjiang Ocean University, 夏一璐, 陈琼, 赵荣磊, 张玲, 王迎宾 : 伏休前后舟山渔场单拖船低值杂鱼渔获物组成比较分析, 浙江海洋学院学报 ( 自然科学版 ), 第 34 卷, 第 6 期,2015 年 11 月, 第 525 页 俞连福我国海洋捕捞副渔获物现状 问题和对策齐广瑞, 海州湾近岸张网的渔获结构及对渔业资源的影响, 中国海洋大学硕士论文张旭春季黄河口海域 2 种网具渔获物组成的比较分析沈公铭山东沿海坛子网鱼虾分离装置的选择性研究 8

9 Field trips were arranged during August to December of 2016, covering the main fishing season of the year 21. Eight fishing provinces were selected as field sampling areas in this study Liaoning, Shandong, Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan, together contributing to over 97% of domestic landings volumes. From these areas, 22 major fishing ports were selected to represent fishing conditions of their province 22. Questionnaires and sampling were both conducted targeting domestic fishing fleets. Detailed information on selected ports are listed in Appendix X A questionnaire survey was conducted using stratified random sampling to interview 1088 fishermen, covering ship owners, captains and senior crew members. The results were used to provide information on the percentage of trash fish in total catch volumes. To understand species composition, random sampling of trash fish catches was conducted 2-3 times in each province for a total of 80 sample packages across all 22 ports, with 1-3 kg weight each for a total weight of 64.4kg (after removing the broken bodies). Species identification was conducted by a professional fishery identification lab at Xiamen University, during which numbers, length of fish were recorded and analyzed. Based on the results of species identification, data analyses were conducted. 陈卫平浙江帆式张网渔业现状的分析与研究杨炳忠, 杨吝, 谭永光, 张鹏, 晏磊, 湛江近海虾拖网副渔获组成分析与评价,Marine Sciences, Vol.38, No.1, 2014 张旭丰广东硇洲岛周围水域虾拖网副渔获组成分析郑颖, 戴小杰, 朱江峰 : 长江河口定置张网渔获物组成及其多样性分析, 安徽农业科学, 第 37 卷 20 期,2009 年, 页 张壮丽, 王茜 闽南海区张网作业渔获物组成分析, 海洋渔业, 第 27 卷第 2 期,2005 年 5 月 赵静, 章守宇, 周曦杰, 陈清满, 浙江嵊泗枸杞岛岩礁生境两种刺网采样网具的比较, 水产学报, 第 37 卷第 2 期 2013 年 2 月高慧良, 黄六一, 李龙, 任一平, 徐宾铎, 唐衍力, 刘长东, 程晖, 黄河口海域春季和夏季须子网渔获物组成分析, 渔业现代化, 第 43 卷第 2 期,2016 年 4 月 唐衍力, 齐广瑞, 王欣, 田方, 万荣, 海州湾近岸张网渔获物种类组成和资源利用现状分析, 中国海洋大学学报, 第 44 卷第 7 期,2014 年 7 月刘尊雷, 汤建华, 林龙山, 程家骅, 刘培廷, 仲霞铭, 江苏沿岸定置张网主要渔获组成以及对经济鱼类幼体的损害分析, 海洋渔业, 第 31 卷第 1 期,2009 年 02 月严利平, 刘尊雷, 李圣法, 凌建忠, 李建生, 李志国, 东海区拖网新伏季休渔渔业生态和资源增殖效果的分析, 海洋渔业, 第 32 卷第 2 期,2010 年 5 月张龙, 徐汉祥, 王甲刚, 郭海成, 舟山沿岸定置张网作业休渔前后鱼类组成分析, 浙江海洋学院学报 ( 自然科学版 ), 第 30 卷第 1 期,2011 年 1 月 张龙, 徐汉祥, 王甲刚, 郭海成, 舟山沿岸定置张网作业休渔前后鱼类组成分析, 浙江海洋学院学报 ( 自然科学版 ), 第 30 卷第 1 期,2011 年 1 月 王语同, 刘勇, 闽南渔场桁杆虾拖网作业渔获种类组成, 福建水产, 第 33 卷第 4 期,2011 年 10 月李超, 青岛斋堂岛海域双桩竖杆张网网囊网目选择性研究, 中国海洋大学硕士学位论文,2015 年 6 月 3 日陈鸿兰, 琼州海峡海域张网渔获组成及其对渔业资源的影响, 广东海洋大学,2015 年 6 月 21 According to data from China Fisheries Statistic Year Book and the official news report on fisheries of first half of the year, in the past three years (2014 to 2016), the catch of the first half of the year accounts for about 35% of the year round catch. 22 The site selection mainly based on production, and considered other elements such as transportation condition, location, etc. The fishing ports were selected from the province s top fishing cities/counties. 9

10 2) Utilization of trash fish by aquaculture Desktop research was first conducted to identify the extent and nature of use of trash fish in aquaculture feeds as well as the total production of China s aquaculture (freshwater and marine fish and invertebrate sectorsthis allowed us to calculate the feed needs to supply that aquaculture production. Three species- Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis), Large yellow croaker (Larimichthys croceus), Largemouth black bass (Micropterus salmoides), were selected as representing aquaculture sectors that are particularly large in volume, and also require high levels of fish/invertebrate feeds input. Field studies were conducted to aquaculture farms in Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Fujian. The field study results were compared with the literature review results. The total input of marine resources into aquaculture industry was concluded based on literature review and field study, and later used to deduce the amount of trash fish going to aquaculture side yearly. 1.2 Capture conditions of trash fish Results from questionnaire: the percentage of trash fish in total catch Out of 926 collected questionnaires, 704 came from producers (ship owners, captain, crew members), 222 from supporting functions (chairmen of fishery committee, buyer, seafood company employee). With reference to China s statistical data, the fishing gears were categorized into 6 types including trawlers, set net, purse seiner, gill nets, hooks and lines, and others. The categorization was done based on relevant publications 23,24,25. Trawlers, set net, and purse seiner were initially identified as main fishing gears in the trash fish fisheries due to their poor selectiveness. 1) Percentage of trash fish in total fish catch - 49% of the total catch by trawlers (by weight) is trash fish Trawlers were identified as the major fishing gear targeting trash fish, it is also the major fishing type, contributing to over 50% of total China s domestic marine capture. Weighted average of the data collected in 8 provinces was conducted, using the contribution rate of trawlers production as weight. Weight coefficient = (trawlers production of given province/ total trawlers production of 8 provinces) (based on the 2015 fisheries statistical data) The result showed that 49.32% of total catch by trawlers are trash fish. (below shows the calculation: Province Average percentage of trash fish (%, from questionnaire) 2015 catch by trawlers (from China Fisheries Stat Weight coefficient Types of trawlers interviewed 23 Sun Zhongzhi, General Introduction of the Fishing Gears in Bohai Sea and Yellow Sea. Maritime Press. Beijing Fishery Administration Bureau of East China Sea, Ministry of Agriculture. Marine Fishing Gears and Their Management in East China Sea. Zhejiang Science and Technology Press. Hangzhou Aquatic Research Institute of Hainan Province. Maine Fishing Gears in Hainan Province. Maritime Press. Beijing

11 Year Book) Liaoning 66 Bottom trawler (single), pelagic trawler (dual), shrimp trawl, etc Shandong 60 Bottom trawler (single), pelagic trawler (dual), shrimp trawl, etc Jiangsu 32 Bottom trawler (single), shrimp trawl, etc Zhejiang 48 Bottom trawler (single), pelagic trawler (single, dual), shrimp trawl, etc Fujian Bottom trawler (single), pelagic trawler (single) Guangxi Bottom trawler (single), pelagic trawler (single) Guangdong Bottom trawler (single), Hainan Bottom trawler (single), pelagic trawler (single) Weighted average: Sum: Box-plots of the percentage of trash fish in the trawlers Horizontal, from left to right: Liaoning, Shandong, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan Vertical: trash fish percentage in the total catch of trawlers 11

12 Distribution of the trash fish percentage among trawlers Legend on the right-side, from top to bottom: Liaoning, Shandong, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan Vertical: number of questionnaire; Horizontal: trash fish percentage % of the total catch (by weight) by all types of vessels is trash fish With reference to above measure, weighted averages were also calculated for other types of fishing practices (set net is calculated based on the questionnaire results from Guangdong, Fujian, Zhejiang, Shandong, Jiangsu, the weighted average is 48.74%; purse seiner net is calculated based on the questionnaire results from Hainan, Zhejiang and Fujian, the weighted average is 16.23%;), gill net and hooks and lines were assumed to have relatively low or zero trash fish catches due to their high level of selectiveness. Results show that the overall percentage of trash fish in total production is 30.45%. Weight coefficient = (production of given gear/ total production all gears) (also based on the 2015 fisheries statistical data) 12

13 It is important to highlight the conservativeness of this estimation, real statistics could be higher, considering 1) when estimating this ratio, gill net, hooks and lines, and other types of fishing gears were assumed to have zero percent of trash fish catches due to their high level of selectiveness. But in reality, these gears also produce trash fish catches; 2) In reality there might be more trawlers than gill nets, because switching of fishing gears without permit happens; 3) The research period is in autumn and winter (from August to December), when the ratio of trash fish is relatively low. The trash fish ratio is usually higher in spring. Below shows the calculation: 2015 catch (from Gear China Fisheries Stat Year Book) Percentage of trash fish (%, from questionnaire results or assume as 0%) Weight coefficient Trawler (from this research) Purse Seiner (from this research) Set net (from this research) Gill net (conservative assumption ) Hooks and lines (conservative assumption ) Others (conservative assumption ) Sum: Weighted average: Some fishing vessels are targeting trash fish Questionnaire results from seven provinces show that they all have fishing fleets targeting trash fish in practices, with trash fish accounted for more than 70% of their total catch.. Table 1 Questionnaire results Provi nce Liaoni ng Nets No. of questionna ires Average % of trash fish (as defined in the definition part) Trawler Gill net 3 8 Set nets(near shore) Standard deviations 13

14 Transport (from various types of vessels) 2 93 Shan Trawler dong Gill net Set net(near shore) Jiangs Trawler u Gill net Set net(movable stow net) Transport ship (mainly from trawler, 4 18 movable stow net) Zhejia Trawler ng Gill net Set net 2 30 Purse seiner Transport ship (from various types of vessels) Fujian Trawler Purse seiner Gill net 4 2 Set net Guan gdon g Guan gxi Haina n Trawler Purse seiner 2 38 Gill net Set net Trawler Purse seiner (light) Transport ship (mainly from trawler, purse seiner) Trawler Purse seiner (light) Transport ship (mainly from trawler, purse seiner) *Data from 53 questionnaires of untypical fishing practices were not included in the above results 14

15 2) Results from species identification 80 samples of trash fish were collected from 22 ports. Identification was focused on fish species, those fish that could not be identified to species level were listed to genus. (Appendix III). 218 fish species were identified from the samples, including 3 species from Chondrichthyes (2 orders 2 families) and 215 from Actinopterygii (19 orders 84 families). 47 crustacean species and several cephalopod species were identified from the samples. The following analysis was mainly based on fish species. - Commercial species and juvenile percentages Out of the 218 identified fish species, 114 were commercial species- 96 edible commercial species and 48 nonedible commercial species. Further analysis showed that edible commercial species account for 38.61% of the total sample, among which the majority were juveniles (74.99%). Table 2 Numbers of individuals sampled from identified fish species (based on data of sampled fish able to identify to species) Category No. Percentage by number Edible % Commercial % Fish Nonedible % Noncommercial % Total % Table 3 The percentage of juvenile fish in the sample (Based on data of sampled fish which could be identified to species, with measurable size and mature standards to compare with) Category No. (Juvenile/all) Percentage by number Edible 2396/ % Commercial 4067/ % Fish Nonedible 1671/ % Noncommercial 165/ % Total 4232/ % 15

16 - Resource condition of species Out of 218 identified species, 44 species were found to have existing stock assessments in publicized reports, books or papers, among which 40 are known to have declined or been depleted; the other 4 were listed as fully developed, or starting to decline. When compared to the IUCN list Red List of Threatened Species, we found 155 are listed as NE, only 62 have records- 1 as EN (Evynnis cardinalis), 1 as VU (Nemipterus virgatus), 9 as DD, and 51 as LC. 10 species in the samples were species being used in China s stock enhancement projects 26. Those species include Gazami crab (Portunus trituberculatus), Bastard halibut (Paralichthys olivaceus), So-iuy mullet (Liza haematocheila), Korean rockfish (Sebastes schlegeli), Blackhead seabream (Acanthopagrus schlegelii), Yellowfin seabream (Acanthopagrus latus), Mi-iuy (brown) croaker (Miichthys miiuy), Large Yellow Croaker(Larimichthys crocea), Japanese seabass(lateolabrax japonicus) and (sepiella maindroni). English Name Scientific Name Stock Location of the sample Enhancement Project area* Gazami crab Portunus trituberculatus BH, YS, ECS Shandong (YS, ) Jiangsu (YS, ) Fujian (ECS, ) Jiangsu (YS, ) Shandong (YS, ) Zhejiang (ECS, ) Paralichthys olivaceus Paralichthys olivaceus BH, YS, ECS Zhejiang (ECS,201611) So-iuy mullet Liza haematocheila BH, YS Jiangsu (YS,201610) Jiangsu (YS,201611) Shandong (YS,201612) Korean rockfish Sebastes schlegeli BH, YS Shandong (YS, ) Shandong (YS, ) Shandong (YS, ) Shandong (YS, ) Blackhead Seabream Acanthopagrus schlegelii BH, YS, ECS, SCS Shandong (YS, ) 26 Because the new Aquatic Stock Enhancement Project Plan has not been publicly issued, in this research, we compared the findings with plan given in The Overall Plan of the National Aquatic Stock Enhancement Project ( ). 16

17 Shandong (YS, ) Yellowfin seabream Acanthopagrus latus ECS, SCS Hainan (SCS, ) Mi-iuy (brown) croaker Miichthys miiuy ECS Zhejiang (ECS, ) Zhejiang (ECS, ) Large Yellow Croaker Larimichthys crocea YS, ECS, SCS Zhejiang (ECS, ) Japanese seabass Lateolabrax japonicus ECS, SCS Zhejiang (ECS,201608) Zhejiang (ECS,201610) Zhejiang (ECS,201612) sepiella maindroni ECS Fujian (ECS, ) *BH=Bohai, YS=Yellow Sea, ECS=East China Sea, SCS=South China Sea Sharks and rays were also identified from the samples. The field investigation also record many (Scoliodon macrorhynchos) and dogfish sharks ( 角鲨 ). 1.3 Utilization of trash fish Major utilization of trash fish are found to be used as feeds, including direct feed to aquaculture or processed to produce fishmeal and fish oil. Results from the questionnaires show that over 85% of interviewees said their trash fish catches go to aquatic farming and fishmeal production rather than directly for human consumption. The aquatic feeds industry has also developed connections across the country to buy, preserve and process trash fish. For example, trash fish caught in Zhejiang could both supply to fish farmers in Fujian, and mink markers in Shandong. Price-wise, according to the questionnaire results, current prices of trash fish vary from 1-4 RMB per kg, with the average price per kg. The price difference is mainly from the quality of the trash fish, the type of utilization, and seasons. Trash fish used for direct feed are usually higher than for producing fishmeal, because quality of the trash fish used for direct feed are usually better. For example, fish with relative better quality in Guangdong are selected out and used for food processing, so trash fish in the research site of Guangdong are really poor and the price is low. While in Fujian s research sites, trash fish with similar quality as the fish used for food processing are used for feed, so the price is relatively higher. Market also affects the trash fish price. The trash fish type in Shandong and Liaoning are similar, but the average price in Liaoning are higher than Shandong. The potential reason could be the fishmeal plants in Shandong had experienced very strict air quality control. The fishmeal plants had to stop working from time to time in The main raw material of fish meal, anchovy, decays easily, and can t store for a long time. So anchovy encounter poor sales. Therefore the average price of anchovy could be lower than the other provinces or the other years. Table 4 Results of the utilization of trash fish 17

18 Province Direct feeds to aquaculture% Fishmeal production% Others(human consumption or uncertain)% Range of Price (CNY/kg) Average price (CNY/kg) Liaoning Shandong Jiangsu Zhejiang Fujian Guangdong Guangxi Hainan *The questionnaires fromzhejiang could not give clear answer on whether the trash fish was used as direct feed or fishmeal production, but surely was used as feed (directly or indirectly). Table 5 Characteristics of main trash fish utilization Direct feeds Utilization Fishmeal, Fish oil Aquacu lture Other types Characteristics 76% of domestic aquaculture species require trash fish as feed For a detailed explanation of aquaculture and its use of trash fish please refer to section 1.4 Mink farming and fox farming in Shandong and Liaoning also use trash fish as feeds Chicken farming and pig farming in fish producing areas sometimes also use trash fish as feeds Shandong and Zhejiang are the two largest provinces in fishmeal production In Shandong and Liaoning, the fish meal production mainly uses anchovy. In Zhejiang, mainly use anchovy, benthosema pterotumin and Japanese jack mackerel. In southern provinces, trash fish that can be used as direct feeds would be selected first when the catches are landed, then the poorer-condition animals part go into the fishmeal production process, fish oil mostly comes 18

19 as a by products in the process of fishmeal. 1.4 Consumption of trash fish by the aquaculture sector Through literature review and field research, Greenpeace also studied the consumption of marine resources by China s aquaculture industry, and came to the conclusion that it is highly possible that the amount far exceeds what previous studies have indicated, and shall probably keep growing. 1) Overall use of fish feed to supply China s aquaculture sector Feeds come as two major forms in aquaculture: artificial compound feeds with inputs of fishmeal and fish oil, and direct feeding with trash fish. Calculation shows that in 2014, China s aquaculture sector has consumed million ton marine resources in total, most of them are from the trash fish defined in this research. In 2014, China s aquaculture has consumed 2.51 million ton fish meal (equals to 7.32 million ton marine fish resources). The real fish meal supply data is not clear. China official data shows that in 2014 China produced 0.76 mmt fishmeal 27 and imported 1.04 mmt fishmeal 28. FAO s latest data shows that in 2013, China produced mmt and imported 0.98 mmt fishmeal. In 2011, the first China Fishmeal Conference reported that fishmeal produced from Shandong, Jiangsu, Fujian and Zhejiang already exceeded 100 mmt 29. In addition, Fishmeal smuggling also happens 30. Considering China s official data is the newest, and relatively reliable, in this research we use China official data to estimate the domestic produced and imported fishmeal. Therefore, in the overall 2.51 mmt fishmeal consumed by aquaculture, at least 0.76 mmts come from domestic China, at least 1.04 mmts come from abroad, and the rest 0.71 mmt unclear of originality. In other words, 0.76 mmt to 1.47 mmt (equals 2.22mmt to 4.29mmt marine fish resources) may come from China, 1.04mmt to 1.75mmt(equals 3.03mmt to 5.10mmt marine fish resources) may come from abroad 31. In 2014, China s aquaculture has consumed 4.95 million tons trash fish for direct feeding. 324 million tons (66%) has been consumed by marine aquaculture, 171 million tons (34%) by fresh water aquaculture. Many trash fish feed in fresh water aquaculture are not from fresh water source, but from the sea. So the 4.95 million tons fish used for direct feeding are mostly from marine trash fish. We will use trash fish used as direct feed to refer the 495mmt fish used as direct feed hereinafter, for convenience narration. Based on the discussion above, in the 12.26mmt marine fisheries resources consumed by China s aquaculture, 7.17mmt to 9.24mmt (58% to 75%) are from China, mostly from the marine trash fish. The other 3.03mmt to 5.10 mmt (25% to 42%) are imported in the form of fishmeal. 2) Species composition in the aquaculture sector by feed type 27 Fisheries Statistics Year Book 28 China Customs data 29 Chen, L., Chen, N., Huang, X., China s Aquatic Feed Industry and World Fishmeal Market (in Chinese). Fish. Sci. Technol. Inf. 41, Sun, Q., Qingdao border seized smuggler with a large number of frozen fish and fish meal on the spot. Qingdao Dly. 31 Trash fish used to produce fish meal = fish meal usage*75%/24%. 75% is the percentage of fish used to produce fish meal, the other 25% is leftovers from fish processing plants. 24% is the efficiency of using fish to produce fishmeal. 19

20 There are 63 species (or group of species) in China s aquaculture. Of these 63 species, 20 require direct feeding sourced from wild fisheries, 36 require artificial compound feeds, 1 requires grown forage fish (feed fish is raised by the fish farmer, not from wild), and only 14 require no feeding. In conclusion, 48 (76%, by number of species or group of species) require trash fish as feed. Figure 1 Feeding type of main aquaculture species in 2014 Table 6 Composition of feeding type of main aquaculture species in 2014 Feeding type Species (or species group) Italics for Latin names. (below are the English names) self-feeding species Cupped oysters nei, Blood cockle, Sea mussels nei, Pen shells nei, (including water plants) Scallops nei, Japanese carpet shell, Constricted tagelus, seaweeds, Sea urchins nei, Clearhead icefish, Swan mussel, Sea snails, Asian clam, Spirulina nei Mainly rely on natural feeds, artificial Abalones nei, Japanese sea cucumber, Jellyfishes nei, Silver carp, compound feeds as supplement Bighead carp, Red swamp crawfish Mainly reply on artificial compound feeds, Grass carp(=white amur), Common carp, [Carassius spp], Tilapia, 20

21 natural feeds as supplement Total rely on artificial compound feeds Mainly rely on artificial compound feeds, trash fish direct feeding as supplement Mainly rely on trash fish direct feeding, artificial compound feeds as supplement Total rely on grown forage fish Source: Tang et al., (2016) Wuchang bream, Black carp, Catfish, Pond loach, Oriental river prawn Whiteleg shrimp, Giant tiger prawn, Yellow catfish, Channel catfish, Japanese eel, Pirapatinga, Other fishes, Giant river prawn, Whiteleg shrimp, Chinese softshell turtle, Frogs, River and lake turtles nei Fleshy prawn, Sea bass (marine), Flounder, Porgies, seabreams nei, Righteye flounders nei, Snubnose pompano, Snakehead, Asian swamp eel, Chinese mitten crab Sea snails, Kuruma prawn, Portunus swimmingcrabs nei, IndoPacific swamp crab, Large yellow croaker, Cobia, Amberjacks nei, Red drum, Tiger pufferfish, Groupers nei, Other fishes, Sea bass (freshwater) Mandarin fish 3) Temporal trends by feeding type of aquacultured species Since the 1980s, although non-feeding species (filter feeders and herbivorous) still account for the majority of annual aquaculture production, fed species demonstrate a higher growing rate, with the potential to dominant in aquaculture sector in the future. In terms of total annual production, filter feeders declined from over 50% (by weight) in the 1980s to 34% in 2014, whereas omnivorous species increases from 4% to 24% and carnivorous species by 1.5% to 7.8% over the same time period. Such changes on the one hand, reflects the increase in levels of intensification of aqua-farming practices, and on the other highlight the growing need for feeds to supply those species that need to be fed in culture conditions (mainly carnivorous and omnivorous species) Figure 2 Change in aquaculture production of species by feeding type Source: Report on the Usage of Marine Fisheries Resources by Aquaculture 21

22 Figure 3 Change of composition of species in the aquaculture by feeding type Source: Report on the Usage of Marine Fisheries Resources by Aquaculture Taking using trash fish for direct feed as an example, although the proportion of using trash fish as direct feed kept decreasing, the overall usage of trash fish for direct feed is growing (Fig. 4, Fig. 5). Artificial compound feeds has developed and accepted by more and more aquaculture farmers because of its low price, low feed conversion ratio, and low labor force input. However, the overall aquaculture production, and cultured species which relied on trash fish direct feed has increased rapidly. At last, the trash fish used as direct feed kept growing. 22

23 Figure 4 Proportion of direct feed trash fish of the major aquaculture species Legend: blue=marine crustaceans; red=marine fish; green=fresh water fish; purple=fresh water crab Data Source: Report on the Usage of Marine Fisheries Resources by Aquaculture 23

24 Figure 5 Trash fish usage as direct feed Legend: blue=marine fish, dark red=marine crustaceans, green=marine shell fish, purple=other marine invertebrates, light blue=fresh water fishes, orange=fresh water crustaceans, dark blue=fresh water shell fish, dark brown=other fresh water invertebrates. Data Source: Report on the Usage of Marine Fisheries Resources by Aquaculture 4) Efficiency of feeding Efficiency of feeding is normally reflected by fish in fish out ratio (FIFO). Greenpeace proposes that to attain sustainable aquaculture, FIFO shall be contained to within 1, implying the amount of protein inputted is not higher than outputted; this requires either better feed development to reduce fish input to feed or change of cultured species that do not require high proportions of fish feed.. Although the overall FIFO of China s aquaculture is relatively low 0.368, main carnivorous species, also the one showing fastest growing rate in production, still process overly high FIFO. Rachycentron canadum and yellow croakers are two typical examples, with FIFO set at 6.5 and 5.35 respectively. Also many high value species have high FIFI from groupers to shrimps as well. Marine aquaculture fishes consumed most of the trash fish direct feed, those species include cobia, amberjacks nei, large yellow croaker, red drum, groupers nei, porgies, seabreams nei, their FIFO are all higher than 4. While the white leg shrimp (marine and fresh water), Largemouth black bass (fresh water), Chinese mitten 24

25 crab (fresh water) are with lower FIFO than the marine cultured fish, but because of their large aquaculture production, their overall fish resource consumption are on the top 3. In sum, feeding efficiency for main feeding species still has a lot of potential to improve. Water Table 7 List of species consuming over 0.1 mmt marine resources yearly with FIFO > 1 Data source: Research on the usage of marine fisheries resources by China s aquaculture industry Categor English name Fishmeal y usage (ton) Scientific name Italicicized for Latin names Trash fish usage (ton) used as direct feed Marine fisheries resources usage (ton) Seawater Fish Rachycentron Cobia canadum Seawater Fish Amberjacks nei Seriola spp Seawater Fish Large yellow Larimichthys croaker croceus Seawater Fish Sciaenops Red drum ocellatus Seawater Fish Epinephelus Groupers nei spp Seawater Fish Porgies, seabreams nei Sparidae Seawater Fish Other fishes Seawater Fish Tiger pufferfish Tetraodontidae Freshwater Fish Largemouth black Micropterus bass salmoides Seawater Fish Flounder( 鲆鱼 ) Freshwater Fish Anguilla Japanese eel japonica Seawater Fish Righteye flounders nei Pleuronectidae FIFO 25

26 Freshwater Other Chinese softshell turtle Seawater Crustac IndoPacific eans swamp crab Seawater Shellfis Trionyx sinensis Scylla serrata h Sea snails Rapana spp Seawater Fish Largemouth Micropterus black bass salmoides Freshwater Crustac Chinese mitten Eriocheir eans crab sinensis Seawater Crustac Portunus eans swimcrabs nei Portunidae Seawater Fish Snubnose Trachinotus pompano blochii Seawater Crustac eans Other crustaceans Freshwater Fish Monopterus Asian swamp eel albus Freshwater Fish Snakehead Channa argus Freshwater Fish Other fishes #N/A Seawater Crustac Penaeus eans Kuruma prawn japonicus Seawater Crustac Penaeus eans Giant tiger prawn monodon Seawater Crustac Penaeus eans Fleshy prawn chinensis Freshwater Fish Pelteobagrus Yellow catfish fulvidraco Freshwater Crustac eans Giant river prawn Macrobrachiu m rosenbergii

27 Freshwater Other Frogs Rana spp Freshwater Crustac Penaeus eans Whiteleg shrimp vannamei Seawater Crustac Penaeus eans Whiteleg shrimp vannamei Freshwater Fish Cat fish( 鲇鱼 ) Freshwater Crustac Oriental river Macrobrachiu eans prawn m nipponense Freshwater Fish Misgurnus Pond loach anguillicaudatu s Freshwater Fish Mylopharyngo Black carp don piceus Freshwater Fish Tilapia Seawater Shellfis h molluscs nei Freshwater Fish Carassius [Carassius spp] carassius Freshwater Fish Common carp Cyprinus carpio Freshwater Fish Grass carp(=white amur) Ctenopharyngo don idellus Total Source: Report on the Usage of Marine Fisheries Resources by Aquaculture 2.1 Creating huge burden for marine ecosystem and biodiversity Chapter 2 Influence and implications of trash fish fishery Fishery targeting trash fish has further damaged coastal marine ecosystem, which has already been fragile due to years of severe overfishing, resulting 27

28 in depletion of succeeding important commercial species; trash fish fishery is speeding up this horrible trend Juvenile individuals of important commercial species have been largely exploited as collateral damage, further threatening future existence of such resources Fishing down the food chain has threatened its basis, where low trophic level fishes such as Anchovy, sand lance, sardines, have been largely caught in trash fish fishery, creating huge gap in energy transitioning Destabilized marine ecosystem might perform poorer when it comes to dealing with climate change and other natural catastrophes If status quo continues fisheries will collapse completely since trash fish are juveniles of commercial fish and also feed of commercial fish (in wild) 2.2 Resulting in lost economic opportunities Shall the juvenile individuals of edible commercial fish grow to mature standards, their prices could increase from times to multiple times. Example as follows: Table 8 Price comparisons (2016) Average market prices as Species edible commercial fish (RMB/kg) 32 Eel Average price as trash fish(rmb/ kg) Potential for added value times Silver pomfret times Small Yellow Croaker ~ times Hairtail times Japanese Spanish mackerel times 32 Price data was compiled from using the average price on 15 th of September, 15 th October, 15 th of November and 15 th December. 28