Zhang Lixiang, Party chief of Huangwo Village in Lianyungang City, saw the NPC session a chance to share the concerns and expectations of local fishermen.

A deputy to the national legislature, Zhang said China should take steps to support the ocean algae farming industry, such as setting a red line for the protection of marine ecological environment.

Huangwo Village, located in the easternmost part of Jiangsu Province, is surrounded by mountains on three sides and the sea in the east. Cultivation of edible seaweed is the economic lifeline for the village, which boasts algae farms totaling more than 2,000 hectares, 36 production lines and job opportunities for local residents.

Zhang said his proposal has won support of other NPC deputies and he expects more support measures for rural development, vitalization and common prosperity.