Wang He is optimistic about the prospects for China's marine economy.  

As head of the scientific research management office at the Marine Economic Research Institute in Yantai, a coastal city in East China's Shandong province, she dedicates her efforts to the sustainable development of the marine sector.

Wang is also a deputy to the National People's Congress (NPC), where she advocates advancing the construction of marine ranching, a type of aquaculture that involves cultivating and managing marine organisms for food and other products with equipment-intensive approaches in the open sea or in an enclosed section of coastal waters.

"Yantai is a major coastal city, where the ocean plays a strategic role in its high-quality development," Wang said.

In 2011, after completing her postgraduate studies, Wang joined the Yantai Marine Economic Research Institute through a high-level talent recruitment program, working as a researcher on disease prevention and healthy practices in aquaculture.

"Since starting my career, I have consistently pursued theoretical studies, kept abreast of industry trends and striven to master cutting-edge technologies," Wang noted.

While jokingly referring to herself as a committed "fish doctor", she is regarded by colleagues as a dedicated innovator, leading the way in technical advances within the institute.

With solid theoretical knowledge and proficient practical skills, Wang achieved first place in disease prevention category at the first Fishery Industry Skills Competition of Shandong province in 2017.

She went on representing Shandong at the national agricultural industry skills competition, where she stood atop the national podium, becoming the province's first national technical expert in the fishery industry.

Reflecting on this journey, Wang said it not only honed her mental and professional capabilities but also deepened her understanding of scientific research.

After the national competition, Wang gathered a group of young colleagues at the institute to discuss testing techniques during their spare time, sharing insights and experiences from the competition. In the laboratory, Wang generously shared her knowledge, providing hands-on guidance and explaining theoretical complexities using real-life examples.

Her mentorship bore fruit, several colleagues excelled in national and provincial agricultural industry skills competitions, solidifying the institute's reputation as a hub of technical excellence.

Wang He (right), head of the scientific research management office at the Yantai Marine Economic Research Institute, works with a colleague. [Photo provided to npc.gov.cn]

In 2019, Wang led the establishment of Shandong's first fishery industry innovation studio with a focus on practical research to make scientific endeavors more accessible. Wang and her team members were extensively involved in training sessions with grassroots fishermen and field lectures.

"The urgent and immediate concerns of fishermen are the issues we prioritize," she said.

In 2023, Wang was elected as a deputy to the 14th NPC. Reflecting on her duties representing the marine sector, she pledged to amplify "voices of the ocean" during the NPC sessions.

Wang has been advocating for building modern marine ranching, also known as sea farming, as a crucial step towards establishing a "blue granary". This is essential for developing a new food supply system, alleviating pressure on coastal ecosystems, and ensuring sustainable development of marine fisheries, she said.

She highlighted Shandong's efforts in exploring strategies for maritime empowerment, noting that Yantai has already established 22 national-level marine ranches.To leverage its geographical advantages and further promote modern marine ranching, Wang submitted a suggestion to the second session of the 14th NPC in March last year.

Her suggestion included accelerating the revision of relevant laws to promote high-standard development of marine ranching, advancing scientific planning to enhance operational efficiency and increasing investment in scientific research to facilitate high-quality development of marine economy.

"The ocean has witnessed my growth and carries my aspirations," she said.

"I will continue to cultivate the 'marine pastoral fields' and contribute to boosting the marine economy through practical actions.”

Zhang Yuchai contributed to this story.