After several months of preparation, the “Blue Ocean Recycling Station” at Pacao Central Fishing Port in Longgang City is scheduled to officially open in mid‑April. Constructed from colored iron sheets and adorned with marine-themed elements, this eco-station employs smart technologies such as facial recognition and code-based traceability to achieve a fully integrated closed‑loop system for managing marine waste, covering the entire process from collection to recycling.

The station originated from Longgang’s innovative approach to utilizing ecological compensation funds from CR Power. Due to the impact of the plant’s warm water discharge on the marine environment, the company is required to make annual payments as compensation. Previously, these funds were allocated to stock enhancement efforts to restore marine ecosystems, but Longgang has since redirected part of the funds to marine waste treatment facilities. As a result, this eco-friendly, tech-powered station was established in October last year.

At the station, fishermen deliver waste such as discarded nets, ropes, and plastic bottles, which are weighed on a weighbridge. The system then automatically calculates the payment. With technologies like facial recognition and the Internet of Things, each item is assigned a unique traceability code and linked to the “Wenzhou Blue Ocean Chain” platform for full-cycle tracking. “We’ve set up a fully traceable system where everything’s tracked from collection to final disposal, and the whole process is totally transparent,” said Ji Liting, the station’s operation manager.

After being carefully sorted at the Blue Sorting Center, the materials are then sent to specialized Blue Recycling Plants for further processing. “The value of these materials increases after deep processing, which enables us to offer a purchase price,” said Ji Liting. He added that through close collaboration with backend processing partners, the station can settle payments on-site at prices 10-20% above the market rate, benefiting local fishermen and residents. This approach not only stimulates public participation but also promotes the recycling of resources.

As a key part of Longgang’s “Blue Cycle” governance model, the Blue Ocean Recycling Station integrates efforts to increase fishermen’s income, reduce carbon emissions from enterprises, and encourage public participation in environmental protection. Currently, Longgang is speeding up the coordinated development of marine ecological conservation and the green economy, encouraging broader engagement in the blue industry chain and injecting fresh momentum into sustainable ocean development.