Fisheries expo returns with giant tuna, delicacies & family fun

If you’re a seafood enthusiast or just looking for something out of the ordinary to do this week, the 2025 Shenzhen International Fisheries & Seafood Expo might be your perfect catch.

Running from today through Saturday at the Shenzhen Convention and Exhibition Center in Futian, the annual expo is free to attend and packed with reasons to stop by — whether you're there to sample rare delicacies, take the kids on an educational outing, or simply marvel at a 450-kilogram bluefin tuna being sliced into sashimi.

A one-stop global seafood tour

More than 12,000 high-end aquatic products from 20 countries and regions are being showcased over the three-day event. You’ll find everything from New Zealand rock lobsters and South African abalone to Peruvian squid, Argentine cuttlefish, Malaysian black tiger prawns, and South American white shrimp.

And it’s not just about food. Exhibitors will also spotlight innovations in marine biomedicine and premium ingredients, giving visitors a glimpse into the wider world of ocean-based industries.

Tuna shows steal the spotlight

The real showstoppers? The giant tuna cutting demonstrations. Over a dozen live shows are scheduled, featuring 13 companies bringing their “deep-sea giants” to center stage.

One of the main attractions is a 450-kilogram bluefin tuna, presented by Shenzhen’s own Liancheng Overseas Fisheries. Chefs will break it down in front of live audiences this afternoon, offering a dramatic look at how these massive fish are transformed into refined sashimi.

Here’s when and where to catch the action:

May 15

10:30 a.m.-12p.m.: Bluefin tuna breakdown at Booth T1A12 (China National Fisheries Corporation)

2 p.m.: Bluefin tuna cutting at Booth T1A63 (Liancheng)

3:30-5 p.m.: King salmon cutting show at Booth T1A12

Additional tuna shows at Booth T1A09 by Austfresh (Shenzhen) throughout the day

May 16–17

Live demonstrations continue with Oman yellowfin and MSC-certified bigeye tuna: Booths T1A09, T1A12, and T1A63 are where to go

New products and first-time debuts

Keep an eye out for several product launches, including:

“Zhongshui No. 1” and “conch slice” seafood lines from China National Fisheries Corporation (Booth T1A12)

The debut of the elusive butter crab at Booth T1B02 — a crustacean so rare that only 2-3 in every 1,000 crabs develop its distinctive orange-gold color. Top-grade specimens can fetch up to 1,500 yuan (US$208.2) each.

Oysters, auctions, and local flavor

Oyster fans can head to Booth T1A31 to watch a sixth-generation master from Shajing — known as the “Millennium Oyster Village” — shuck fresh oysters live on site.

Looking for something livelier? The expo will host daily seafood auctions, with up to 200 million yuan in catches up for bidding. It’s a chance to see the fast-paced world of seafood trading up close — and maybe even score a deal.

Something for the whole family

Parents, this one’s for you too. The expo features a public education zone called “Cherish the Ocean: A Date with Fisheries,” where kids can check out confiscated crocodile and turtle shell specimens, pose with a model pygmy sperm whale, and explore the mysteries of the deep through interactive displays and videos.

For industry pros: Forums and tech showcases

Beyond the food and fun, the expo is also a platform for serious conversation. A series of high-level forums and tech roadshows will bring together industry experts and business leaders to explore the future of blue economy and sustainable fisheries.

Whether you’re looking to eat, learn, shop, or simply marvel at the world under the waves, the 2025 Shenzhen Fisheries Expo is shaping up to be a crowd-pleaser. Just be ready for a crowd — last year’s edition drew more than 80,000 visitors, and judging by this year’s lineup, it might be even bigger.

Time: Today to Saturday

Venue: Shenzhen Convention & Exhibition Center, Futian District

Metro:  Line 1 or 4 to Convention & Exhibition Center Station (会展中心站)， Exit D

Chefs carve the head of a bluefin tuna during the 2025 Shenzhen International Fisheries & Seafood Expo, held today at the Shenzhen Convention and Exhibition Center in Futian District. Photos by Lin Songtao

A vibrant seafood display highlights ocean biodiversity and culinary innovation at the expo.

A massive tuna takes center stage at the expo.

Crowds gather to watch a dramatic tuna-cutting show at the expo today.

Giant bluefin tuna are displayed at the expo, drawing wide attention.

Creative seafood dishes are showcased as part of the expo’s culinary highlights.

Creative seafood dishes are showcased as part of the expo’s culinary highlights.

A salesperson introduces oyster-based products from Shajing at the expo.

Children paint ocean-themed designs on cotton bags at an interactive public education zone during the expo.

Expo attendees explore a wide variety of fishery products showcased at the event.

Visitors flock to fishery booths, drawn by fresh catches on display at the expo.

A vibrant seafood display highlights ocean biodiversity and culinary innovation at the expo.

Seafood at the expo for sale.

Visitors flock to fishery booths, drawn by fresh catches on display at the expo.

Visitors flock to fishery booths, drawn by fresh catches on display at the expo.