River State Carp

River State Carp

River State Carp is a protected geographical indication product.

River State Carp is a certified geographical indication trademark.

　　River State Carp is produced in Yuqiao Reservoir, Jixian County, Tianjin. The reservoir boasts abundant aquatic life, with a variety of phytoplankton and benthic organisms.

　　The carp grow naturally without artificial feeding, relying entirely on these natural food sources in the reservoir. The unique geography, superior water environment, and sustained ecological and cultural preservation give the River State Carp its distinctive shape and firm, smooth, chewy texture with delicious flavor. In late autumn, the carp are at their plumpest and most flavorful, having become a famous local dish in Jixian County that attracts visitors from nearby regions such as Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei.

　　River State Carp – Natural waters of Yuqiao Reservoir, Jixian County, Tianjin (68 km²)

　　   "Jixian County People's Government Letter on Defining the Origin Scope of the Geographical Indication Product River State Carp," Jizheng Letter [2013] No. 26

　　Tianjin Aquaculture Industry Development Service Center: "Production Technical Specifications for River State Carp"

　　Quality and Technical Requirements for River State Carp

　　I. Source Species

　　Common carp (Cyprinus carpio).

　　II. Growing Environment

　　Water quality complies with relevant national standards for fishery water quality; substrate meets national standards for aquaculture environment requirements. Water transparency ≥120 cm, pH value 7.0 to 8.5, dissolved oxygen ≥5 mg/L.

　　III. Stocking Management

　　1. Fish Source:

　　(1) Natural reproduction of native River State Carp within the origin area.

　　(2) Selection and purchase from licensed fry production farms within the origin area, with traceability to ensure genuine lineage.

　　2. Farming Method: Natural growth via artificial stocking within the origin area.

　　3. Fry Stocking: Release of summer fry weighing 0.5 g per fish in mid-June.

　　4. Feeding: No artificial feeding in the stocked area; carp primarily consume natural food sources in the water.

　　5. Growth Protection: A complete fishing ban is enforced from April 15 to July 15 every year across the reservoir. A permanent no-fishing zone of 10 km² is established within 3,000 m east of the Yuqiao Dam, where all fishing is permanently prohibited. Fishing methods that severely damage fishery resources—such as electrofishing, poisoning, blasting, and fine-mesh encircling nets—are strictly forbidden. Bottom trawling, underwater sand mining, and reservoir land reclamation are also prohibited to protect the aquatic ecological environment.

　　6. Environmental and Safety Requirements: Rearing environments, disease prevention, and control must comply with national regulations, and the environment must not be polluted.

　　IV. Harvesting

　　Harvesting is allowed outside the no-fishing zones and during non-ban periods. Fishing boats must be double-paddle vessels registered with the county fisheries law enforcement authorities and in possession of an annual fishing license. Fishing gear must have mesh sizes greater than 7.0 cm, and carp must be harvested at a minimum size of ≥1,000 g per fish.

　　V. Quality Characteristics

　　1. Sensory Characteristics: Small head, no obvious hump on the back edge, slender body; slightly bluish-black back, golden-yellow scales on the sides, golden-yellow belly, and light red tips on the pectoral, ventral, pelvic, and caudal fins; firm flesh, smooth and chewy texture, delicious taste.

　　2. Physical and Chemical Indicators: Crude protein in muscle ≥15.0%, crude fat ≤2%.

　　    3. Safety and Other Quality Technical Requirements: Product safety and other quality technical requirements must comply with national regulations.