December 22, 2006

Fish farmers in Shandong hard hit by plunge in sales of turbot
 

Chinese turbot fish farmers have suffered heavy losses after cargcinogenic chemicals were found in the fish.

The incident has caused local authorities in Shandong, China's major turbot producing area, to take strict measures in monitoring its fish farms.

Although only three fishing businesses were caught using banned chemicals and closed temporarily, all turbot farmers are paying the price.

The losses were all the more galling since the end of the year was generally when sales were higher.

Deputy Chief of Rizhao Maritime & Fishing Bureau Zhu Jingyou urged farmers to record the procedures used during breeding, such as the purchase of turbot fries and feeding. Farmers should have complete records so authorities can trace sources when problems surface, he said.