As autumn settles in, the annual fishing season arrives in Huangling Township, Pengze County, located in Jiujiang City, Jiangxi Province. Here, fish farmers swiftly lift nets and haul in their catch while the shimmering lake reflects clear waters. The atmosphere is filled with joy and celebration as fish leap and people cheer in this bountiful harvest.

At the Zhongyu Aquaculture Base in Huangling Township, as the nets are pulled tighter, fish jump energetically, splashing about. Once the catch is brought ashore, workers quickly sort, weigh, and transport the fish, with eager buyers waiting nearby.

“This year, the fish are notably larger and more abundant,” said Liao Xianliang, a dealer who travels from Jiangsu. “I’ve been purchasing here in Pengze for several years, usually around 500,000 pounds every season.” He praised the area’s water quality, noting that it results in delicious fish that are highly sought after in the market.

The Zhongyu Aquaculture Base spans 800 acres, with a network of waterways connecting lakes and rivers. This environment supports the growth of fresh, high-quality fish, which are distributed to cities such as Guangdong, Wuhan, Zhejiang, and Shanghai.

Watching as crates of fish are loaded onto trucks, Tao Yu, the head of Zhongyu Aquaculture Company, shared his insights: “Based on current trends, we anticipate a total production of around 800,000 pounds this year, with pure profits reaching approximately 1.5 million yuan.”

In recent years, Pengze County has adhered to the principle of “ecology first, green development,” implementing an ecologically-friendly aquaculture model known as “nature-based fishing.” This includes strict regulations like the “lake chief system” and ongoing “lake cleaning” initiatives to control pollution sources. These efforts ensure that the fish products maintain green, organic, and healthy qualities, achieving the dual goals of enhancing water quality while boosting economic benefits.