10-year fishing ban in Yangtze River reaps tangible results

The 10-year ban on fishing in the Yangtze River has made significant achievements, and China will continue to take effective measures to implement the policy, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs.

Starting from January 1, 2020, the fishing ban was first carried out in 332 conservation areas in the Yangtze River basin to protect biodiversity in the country's longest river. The move was later expanded to a 10-year moratorium along the river's main streams, estuary, the Dongting and Poyang lakes, and seven major tributaries, effective January 1, 2021.

A comprehensive survey and monitoring system for aquatic biological resources in the Yangtze River basin was established. In addition to investigating and evaluating special resources in specific waters, more than 700 monitoring stations have been set up along the river to carry out regular investigation and monitoring.

The fishing ban has improved the biodiversity in the Yangtze River. According to the latest survey results, 193 fish species have been recorded, compared with 168 in early 2020. The population of the Yangtze finless porpoises has also increased to 1,249, and other endangered species like Coilia ectenes have also been more frequently spotted, said Yi Yanrong, deputy director of the Fishery Administration Supervision and Management Office of the Yangtze River Basin of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs.

China has channeled 27 billion yuan (about $3.79 billion) to support fishermen after they gave up using nets and boats on the Yangtze River.

Since the implementation of the fishing ban, over 230,000 fishermen have received social security services, financial support, and vocational training from the government. Meanwhile, 155,000 fishermen with employment capacity and willingness to work along the river have found new income sources. The number of reports of illegal fishing in the river has also decreased by 20 percent.

(Cover image via CFP)