Locally farmed Australian lobsters thrive in Nansha

Yulu Bay lobsters, a freshwater lobster species originally from Australia, are thriving and now being harvested in the Nansha Mingzhu Agricultural Park, local media outlets reported on Sept 14.

The lobsters that are grown in Nansha generally weigh over 50 grams, with a high meat yield. A lobster tail from one of these lobsters accounts for between 42 and 48 percent of its weight, while ordinary freshwater lobsters typically have a tail percentage of only about 26 percent. These lobsters also contain nine times the amount of astaxanthin compared to regular lobsters, making them extremely nutritious.

In terms of growth environment, these lobsters require good water quality and mainly grow in freshwater or low-salinity areas. Currently, the fishery in the Nansha Mingzhu Agricultural Park has been accelerating the cultivation and development of the Australian freshwater lobster industry, as it is still fairly new in China.

According to the staff at the fishery, there are currently 48 mu (3 hectares) of ponds dedicated to cultivating Yulu Bay lobsters, with an average yield of over 300 pounds per mu and a production value of over 1,000 yuan ($1372) per mu, which is higher than other aquatic products.

Even though the market is small, these lobsters are highly prized. Residents can now purchase them through online channels.

The locally farmed Australian lobsters. [Photo/WeChat account: nanshafabu]