From Daily Maverick · Ian Urbina · · 2m
SA helps feed China’s huge desert fish-farming boom, and the sea is paying the crippling price
South Africa’s seafood exports to China surge as Xinjiang’s desert fish farms face sustainability challenges.
In brief
South Africa’s seafood exports to China surge as Xinjiang’s desert fish farms face sustainability challenges. South Africa imported $30 million worth of seafood from China in 2025, while Xinjiang’s desert fish farms struggle with feed dependency and environmental costs. Originally reported by Daily Maverick.
China’s Xinjiang desert fish farms
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China began raising fish in Xinjiang’s Taklamakan Desert in 2023, producing 280 tonnes of seafood annually.
Xinjiang’s harsh environment
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Xinjiang receives barely six inches of rain yearly across 600,000 square miles, with the Taklamakan Desert covering much of the region.
Desert fish farming boom
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Over 1,000 fish farms now operate in Xinjiang, producing 200,000 tonnes of seafood annually, including salmon and shrimp.
South Africa’s seafood trade
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South Africa imported more than $30 million worth of seafood from China in 2025, highlighting the trade relationship.
Xinjiang’s aquaculture challenges
China’s fish farms rely on fishmeal, which accounts for up to 70% of operating costs and is sourced from wild fish stocks.
Feed dependency
Over 40% of the world’s fishmeal is imported by China, with projections rising to 55% by 2032 due to overfishing.
Environmental impact
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Fishmeal production causes water pollution and stench, affecting communities and ecosystems globally.
Xinjiang’s fish farming model
Xinjiang Tianyun Organic Agriculture operates 6,000 tonnes of fish annually, with 40% of China’s domestically produced salmon.
Local economic impact
Tianyun provides interest-free loans to villagers, with annual cash payments and dividends for over 2.5 million people.
Sustainability concerns
China’s aquaculture industry faces challenges in feed sourcing, environmental impact, and labor practices.
Global fishmeal trade
China imports over 40% of the world’s fishmeal, with projections rising to 55% by 2032 due to overfishing.
Xinjiang’s tourism growth
Xinjiang has developed fish-farming theme parks and restaurants serving seafood to tourists.
Government claims
State media describes Xinjiang’s aquaculture as a testament to human ingenuity and resilience in harsh environments.
Forced labor allegations
The Outlaw Ocean Project reported that Chinese companies forced thousands of Xinjiang workers into seafood processing plants.
Sustainability challenges
China’s aquaculture industry faces sustainability challenges in feed sourcing, environmental impact, and labor practices.
What happens next
China aims to increase fishmeal self-sufficiency by 2032, but faces significant environmental and economic hurdles.
The bottom line
South Africa imported $30 million worth of seafood from China in 2025, while Xinjiang’s desert fish farms struggle with feed dependency and environmental costs.
