Tench farming in China: present status and future prospects

Tench, Tinca tinca (L.) was introduced as a new species to Chinese aquaculture in 1998. Biological characteristics of tench are studied, and propagation techniques are improved at the Hubei Province Fisheries Institute with co-operation with the Research Institute of Fish Culture and Hydrobiology in Czech Republic and Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences. The first successful artificial propagation of tench in China was made in 2000. The number of produced tench larvae increased from 5 millions in 2001 to 20 millions in 2002, and to 200 millions in 2003. The number of juveniles > 5 cm reached 12 millions in 2002 and 120 millions in 2003. Total area of ponds with tench culture was 1400 ha in 2002 and 5400 ha in 2003. Main problems that hinder development of tench culture in China are identified, and future prospects of tench farming in China are highlighted. Abundant water bodies for aquaculture and cheap man-power make the export of tench from China to Europe, USA, Australia and Korea a promising activity.