Qinzhou Squid

Qinzhou Perch

Qinzhou perch is a product with geographical indication for agricultural products.

　　Qinzhou has a subtropical marine monsoon climate, characterized by warm temperatures, abundant rainfall, and a long frost-free period. The seawater salinity in the area typically ranges from 1.006 to 1.022, with water transparency between 0.3m and 2.0m, and a pH value of 7.5 to 8.3. The farming areas are rich in plankton and nekton, providing excellent environmental conditions for the growth of Qinzhou perch. Qinzhou perch is one of the region’s distinctive and premium aquatic products, with a long history of cultivation and rich cultural heritage. According to the "Qinzhou Annals," “Qinzhou is a mountainous coastal city with abundant natural resources. Its seawater has moderate salinity, clean water quality, ample bait, and no pollution, making it the original habitat of Qinzhou perch.” Perch can be caught year-round along Qinzhou’s coast, but the highest yield, largest size, and freshest catch are typically from autumn to the following spring. A popular saying goes, “When in Qinzhou, you must try Qinzhou perch. To eat Qinzhou perch, go to Longmen to have the Maowei Sea (the estuary of the Maoling River and Qinzhou River) perch, or head to Dongchang for the Dafeng River perch.” The wild perch from Maowei Sea and Dafeng River are especially renowned because they grow at the estuaries where the Maoling River, Qinzhou River, and Dafeng River meet the brackish waters, and the unique natural environment enhances the tenderness and flavor of the perch.

　　The annual production of “Qinzhou Perch” reaches 5,569 tons, with an annual output value exceeding 150 million yuan, making it one of the key pillars of the coastal rural economy in Qinzhou. To enhance the “Qinzhou Perch” brand and expand the perch industry, Qinzhou has introduced preferential support policies. The Qinzhou Bureau of Aquatic Products, Animal Husbandry, and Veterinary Services, in collaboration with various coastal aquaculture associations, provides strong technical guidance. Farmers are advised to manage their farms according to non-polluting production base standards, promote eco-friendly farming practices, strictly prohibit the use of banned inputs, and primarily use live fish and shrimp as natural feed. The development of deep-sea cage farming has also been strongly encouraged, bringing “Qinzhou Perch” closer to a natural ecological product. At the same time, management protocols have been established in line with non-polluting production base requirements, creating a full-service system from farm construction to product sales.

　　Geographic Scope

　　The protected geographical indication area for Qinzhou perch as an agricultural product includes: within Qinzhou City, Guangxi, covering the geographic coordinates from 108°27'35.12" to 108°57'28.05" east longitude, and 21°35'20.62" to 21°51'34.13" north latitude. This area encompasses Qinzhou Port Area, Sanniang Bay Management Zone, and the administrative regions of Longmen Port Town, Kangxi Ridge Town, Jianshan Town, Shabu Town, Dafanpo Town, Xiniujiao Town, Dongchang Town, and Nali Town in Qinnan District, along with their adjacent sea areas. The farming area spans 952.35 square kilometers, with an annual total output of approximately 6,000 tons.

　　Product Quality Characteristics

　　(1) External Quality Characteristics: Qinzhou perch has an elongated body with bright coloration, a relatively large mouth positioned on the upper part, a pointed snout, small teeth, and fine serrations on the posterior edge of the preoperculum. Its lateral line runs parallel to the dorsal contour, and the body is covered with fine ctenoid scales. The skin is thick, and the scales are not easily shed. The dorsal side is bluish-gray, while the ventral side is grayish-white. The body sides and parts of the dorsal fin spines feature black spots that gradually fade with age. The flesh of Qinzhou perch is tender, delicious, and rich in flavor, with a full-bodied yet non-greasy taste and elastic muscle texture. (2) Internal Quality Characteristics: Qinzhou perch is large in size, with delicious meat and high nutritional value. Each 100g of fresh meat contains 18.34–21.74g of protein, 0.42–3.50g of fat, 34.20–41.37mg of sodium, 36.96–63.00mg of calcium, 23.18–26.88mg of magnesium, and a total of 17.49–20.62g of amino acids. It also contains 6.30–8.38mg/kg of zinc and 0.51–0.66mg/kg of selenium, and is rich in various amino acids. (3) Safety Requirements: During the farming process, Qinzhou perch strictly adheres to relevant standards such as the "Seawater Quality Standard" (GB3097), "Fishery Water Quality Standard" (GB11607), "Non-Polluting Food Seawater Farming Water Quality" (NY5052-2001), and "Non-Polluting Food Perch Farming Technical Specifications" (NY/T 5273-2004).