On the morning of July 14, the "Seeking the Ocean" practical team visited the Haiyang Bureau of Ocean Development and Fisheries, where they received a warm welcome. The team members engaged in in-depth discussions with the heads of relevant departments, gaining a deeper understanding of the development status of fisheries in Haiyang and fostering more profound reflections on the blue ocean.

Firstly, officials from the Fisheries Bureau provided an overview of the history and current status of fisheries development in Haiyang City. As a core functional department of the Haiyang municipal government, the Bureau of Ocean Development and Fisheries comprehensively oversees the development of the marine economy, management of fishery production, and protection of the marine ecology in the area, serving as a strategic engine driving the region's "blue economy." The Bureau promotes sustainable development of the marine economy through a four-dimensional approach involving policy planning, resource management, technological innovation, and law enforcement supervision.

Subsequently, the staff of the Fisheries Bureau engaged in in-depth discussions with the team members about the development status of fisheries in Haiyang City. They exchanged insights on topics such as changes in the ecological environment, the structure of the fishery industry, the development of smart oceans, and future fishery planning.

In terms of fisheries development, the students asked about the biggest challenges currently facing the fishery economy. The staff replied that there are four main challenges: The relatively small proportion of the fishery economy within the overall social economy, which is leading to decreasing development space. Environmental pollution and other factors are posing challenges to coastal aquaculture. The lack of high-quality large enterprises is resulting in insufficient stability in the industry. Low levels of research and development, along with weak research capabilities, hinder progress.

The students expressed great interest in the progress made in recent years on projects aimed at improving quality and efficiency in deep-sea aquaculture, seed breeding, and recreational fisheries. The staff acknowledged that there are still some challenges to address: Deep-sea aquaculture faces difficulties due to high technical demands and substantial investment costs. Additionally, a reduction in corporate funding has impacted the pace of development.

In the seed breeding sector, although a variety of high-quality breeds has been continually enriched, there is still room for overall improvement. Currently, institutions such as the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Yellow Sea Research Institute have achieved some preliminary results, but significant breakthroughs will require ongoing support and investment.

After this visit to the Fisheries Bureau, the practical team members gained a deeper understanding of the local marine economy. The "Seeking the Ocean" practical team not only brought back insights into the forefront of fishery development but also witnessed the solid steps taken in building a strong maritime nation in the new era. From policy interpretation to technological innovation, and from ecological protection to concerns for people's livelihoods, each reflection highlights the profound significance of "thriving by the sea."