Taizhou's yellow croaker brings ocean flavor to Zhejiang basketball league

A dish made of Dachen yellow croaker. [Photo/Tide News]

The competition between Taizhou and Qingyuan of the Zhejiang Provincial City Basketball League started in Jiaojiang district in Taizhou, East China's Zhejiang province, on Aug 22, but it was not only the athletes drawing attention.

A special feast with Dachen yellow croaker added a unique maritime flavor to the event, mixing elements of fine dining with the thrill of basketball.

Known as a national geographical indication product, the Dachen yellow croaker stands out for its golden color, tender texture, and rich taste. The fish thrives in the Dachen Island's clear waters, where the mixing of ocean currents and the abundance of bait create a perfect home. Taizhou fishermen use a low-density farming method that respects nature and ensures premium quality.

For Taizhou residents, the Dachen yellow croaker is more than a treat. Once almost wiped out by overfishing, the species was saved through decades of innovation in deep-sea aquaculture. This effort has created an industry worth more than 1 billion yuan ($139.72 million), transforming the fish into a symbol of resilience and ingenuity.

The connection between the basketball league and the croaker underscores a shared spirit. Just as players push themselves with teamwork and persistence on the court, generations of Taizhou fishermen have fought the rough seas to rebuild an industry. The partnership celebrates not only a regional specialty but a story of persistence and pride, turning each match into a reminder of how local culture and industry can find new expression in sport.