Chagan Lake Bighead Carp

Chagan Lake Bighead Carp

Chagan Lake Bighead Carp is a protected geographical indication product.

　　Chagan Lake Bighead Carp is a specialty fish from the Chagan Lake area in Qian Gorlos Mongolian Autonomous County, Jilin Province. Thanks to its unique climate and growing environment, it boasts superior quality. Certified as a Green Food product by the China Green Food Development Center, it has been recognized as a “China Famous Brand Agricultural Product.” It has also obtained ISO9001 International Quality Management System and ISO14001 International Environmental Management System certifications.

　　Chagan Lake Bighead Carp has a delicious and pure flavor, with tender and smooth meat. It is large, plump, and rich in fat without being greasy. The flesh, especially the head, contains abundant high-unsaturated fatty acids and DNA. Regular consumption of Bighead Carp—especially the head—can enhance brain function and improve memory. Pregnant women who eat it often can promote fetal brain development, while the elderly may benefit from lowered blood lipids and reduced risk of dementia symptoms. Chagan Lake Bighead Carp grows in a completely natural state, without any artificial feed, chemical fertilizers, or pesticides.

　　Growth Habits

　　Bighead Carp, scientifically known as Hypophthalmichthys nobilis, is also called Flower Carp. Due to its large head, it is commonly referred to as “Fathead” among locals. It lives in the upper layer of water, has a relatively gentle temperament, and feeds mainly on plankton—both animal and plant-based. It thrives when released into large lakes and reservoirs.

　　Product Certifications

　　In 2001, Chagan Lake Bighead Carp obtained Green Food product certification from the China Green Food Development Center. In November 2002, it received A-grade Green Food certification. In April 2003, the Chagan Lake Fishery was approved as a National A-grade Green Food Production Base by the China Green Food Development Center, becoming one of the few freshwater fisheries in China to achieve this recognition. On July 10, 2003, Chagan Lake Fish obtained Organic Food certification from the China Green Food Certification Center (COFCC) (certification number: COFCC－R－0307－0015). This made the Chagan Lake Fishery the first enterprise in Songyuan and even Jilin Province’s aquaculture industry to receive organic food certification. In 2006, it was awarded the title of “China Famous Brand Agricultural Product,” becoming one of only two fishery products in China to receive this honor.

　　Production Status

　　In 2007, the Chagan Lake Tourism Economic Development Zone produced 5,000 tons of fresh fish annually. The product range included three major series: Bighead Carp, premium wild fish, and processed fish, comprising 22 varieties. Besides common species such as carp, crucian carp, silver carp, bighead carp, and grass carp, there were also premium varieties like catfish, marble goby, mandarin fish, Wuchang bream, and whitefish. Among these, the annual production of Bighead Carp reached 3,000 tons. The China Green Food Certification Center (COFCC), under the organization of the China Green Food Development Center, signed certification cooperation agreements with Japan Overseas Merchandise Inspection Co., Ltd. (OMIC) and SGS Group (Société Générale de Surveillance). SGS is one of the world’s largest and most influential inspection, testing, and certification organizations, with a history of over 100 years and a leading global reputation. After obtaining COFCC organic certification, Chagan Lake Fish officially entered the global organic food market.

　　Aquaculture History

　　Chagan Lake is located in the eastern part of the beautiful Horqin Grassland and the northwest of Songyuan City, covering a water area of 650,000 mu, with 450,000 mu suitable for fish farming. It is one of China’s top ten freshwater lakes and the largest inland lake in Jilin Province. The surrounding environment is picturesque, with vast blue waters, endless reeds, leaping fish and birds, lush aquatic plants, and enchanting scenery. The expansive water area and excellent water quality naturally support abundant aquatic resources. In addition to the “Four Major Domestic Fish” and economically valuable species like carp and crucian carp, the lake also produces rare varieties such as redfin culter, yellowhead catfish, and catfish. Fisheries in Chagan Lake began in the early 1960s, initially focusing on the propagation of small fish species, mainly redfin culter and crucian carp. By the 1970s, due to declining water levels in the main sources—the Holin River and the Tao’er River—and insufficient replenishment, Chagan Lake once turned into a saline-alkali lake, and fish populations nearly disappeared. In 1984, Qian Gorlos County constructed the “Diverting Songhua River to Chagan Lake” project, stabilizing the lake’s water level at 130 meters above sea level. This not only improved the ecological environment but also ensured the survival and reproduction of fish, providing a reliable water source for fisheries development. Hundreds of tons of small economic fish are produced annually. Starting in 1992, relevant departments initiated the Chagan Lake Fisheries Development Project. That year, 650,000 kilograms of fish fry were introduced. After two years of lake closure, 1,200 tons of commercial fish were caught in 1994, and 3,000 tons in 1997. Since then, the Chagan Lake fishery has maintained rapid growth. By 2007, annual commercial fish production reached around 6,000 tons, with annual fisheries output value exceeding 30 million yuan. Located within a provincial nature reserve, Chagan Lake features clean, unpolluted water and abundant natural bait. Its fish are known for their tender and flavorful meat, making them highly popular with consumers. On December 28, 2006, the Fifth “China·Jilin Chagan Lake Ice and Snow Fishing Tourism Festival” was held in Qian Gorlos County, themed “Explore the Ice World of Chagan Lake, Witness the Winter Fishing Spectacle.” On that day, Chagan Lake’s winter fishing set a Guinness World Record by hauling in a single net catch weighing 104,500 kilograms.

　　Geographical Indication Product Protection

　　In 2010, after review by the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of China, it was decided to implement national geographical indication product protection for Chagan Lake Bighead Carp (Announcement No. 28 of 2010).

　　Protected Area

　　The protected area for Chagan Lake Bighead Carp as a geographical indication product includes Chagan Lake, Xinmiao Pool, Kulipool, and the YuRe Fish Fry Breeding Farm within Qian Gorlos Mongolian Autonomous County, Jilin Province. The geographical coordinates are between 124°03′28″ to 124°30′59″ east longitude and 45°05′42″ to 45°25′50″ north latitude.