On the morning of August 19th, the sky and water merged into one at the Fucaiwei ten-thousand-mu crab breeding base in Shuijing Village, Jingqiao Town, Lishui District, Nanjing. Fish farmer Chen Jian gently guided his small boat across the mirror-like surface, skillfully pulling up cage after cage, as plump and lively "June Yellow" crabs tumbled out, carrying the distinctive fresh moisture of Shijiu Lake and heralding the harvest season of late summer and early autumn.

"June Yellow crabs are 'teenage crabs' that haven't completed their final molt yet, with thin shells, tender meat, and rich, creamy roe, making them a unique seasonal delicacy at the turn of the seasons," Chen Jian explained enthusiastically from the pond's edge. Leveraging the high-quality flowing water of Shijiu Lake, his base adheres to an ecological farming model, using aquatic plant cultivation, micro-porous aeration, and scientific feeding to meticulously control water quality and pond bottom conditions. The combination of self-bred high-quality crab seedlings and meticulous ecological management produces June Yellow crabs with oily, full roe and sweet, firm flesh, preserving the fine quality of Fucaiwei crabs while adding a distinct freshness unique to the season.

Seven years ago, Chen Jian relocated from Qinhuai District in Nanjing to Jingqiao, contracting 800 mu of water surface at Fucaiwei in Shuijing Village for ecological crab farming. Earlier in his career, he had deep experience in crab seedling cultivation in Lianyungang, building a solid foundation in fry breeding technology. This year, in addition to farming adult hairy crabs, he dedicated 150 mu specifically to raising June Yellow crabs, filling the local supply gap for premium fresh crabs during the summer-autumn period. He noted that each mu of pond can yield 150 to 200 jin of June Yellow crabs. Unlike mature autumn hairy crabs, which are best steamed, June Yellow crabs are perfect for dishes like flour-coated fried crab or spicy stir-fry, and have become a sought-after seasonal treat on city dining tables. As the harvest peak season arrives, freshly caught crabs are being shipped continuously to markets across the region.

The Fucaiwei area in Shuijing Village boasts exceptional natural farming conditions. Located on the eastern shore of Shijiu Lake, the base draws entirely on natural lake water, and the unique hard black soil at the lake bottom is rich in calcium and phosphorus, offering natural advantages for crab growth. In recent years, the village has invested over 10 million yuan from central special lottery public welfare funds to carry out ecological restoration of the farming water system, alongside upgrading standardized ponds. Additionally, the village has partnered with the Freshwater Fisheries Research Institute of Jiangsu Province to introduce the high-quality "Yangtze River No. 2" crab seedling variety, known for its strong disease resistance, fast growth, and delicious meat. The "Fucaiwei Crab" has earned dual national certifications as a Geographical Indication Product and a National Agricultural Product Geographical Indication.

From selling crabs only in the autumn season to now offering a long-cycle production model that features "fresh June Yellow crabs in early summer and plump hairy crabs in golden autumn," the Fucaiwei ten-thousand-mu crab base in Shuijing Village is continuously optimizing its farming structure and driving synergy between seedling cultivation and the breeding chain. "By developing staggered June Yellow crab listings, we are extending the industry chain and further polishing the distinctive Fucaiwei crab brand," said Cao Chenggong, Party Secretary of Shuijing Village. With one stretch of living water yielding two seasons of crab harvest, the village's ten-thousand-mu crab industry is steadily unleashing its potential for prosperity, painting a vibrant picture of a thriving water town where industry flourishes and residents grow wealthier.