Fishing ban in Yangtze River bears fruits after three years of efforts

The Yangtze River is endowed with rich aquatic biodiversity and serves as an important ecological barrier for China. However, it once faced continued biodiversity loss and endangered species were in dire straits. In order to protect this mother river, a 10-year fishing ban was implemented along the river's main streams, estuary, the Dongting and Poyang lakes, and seven major tributaries, beginning January 1, 2021. After three years of unremitting efforts, the ecological environment of the Yangtze River has greatly improved. 

Since 2023, netizens have posted various videos of Yangtze finless porpoises and schools of fish in different parts of the Yangtze River. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs also recently announced that the population of the Yangtze finless porpoises has increased and other endangered species like Coilia ectenes and Ochetobius elongatus have also been more frequently spotted.

At Tian'ezhou National Nature Reserve in central China's Hubei Province, the staff are preparing for the release of Yangtze finless porpoises. Apart from examining the health Yangtze finless porpoises, they patrol the reserve every day to prevent illegal fishing, and it's normal to stay up late.

They also restore ecological resources by planting aquatic plants such as reeds and whorl-leaf watermilfoil, and building artificial fish nests. These restoration efforts not only provide better habitat for fish, but also provide food for migratory birds.

According to a thorough fishery resources survey carried out by the Institute of Hydrobiology (IHB), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) in 2023, the number of fish in the reserve is quite large and the community structure is quite healthy and complete. The water quality and environment have also improved significantly, said Hao Yujiang, associate researcher at IHB.

Thanks to three years of restoration and protection efforts, the population of Yangtze finless porpoise has increased to 1,249 according to the latest survey in 2022, which was a historic "rebound." 

In October 2023, the "Bulletin on Aquatic Biological Resources and Habitat Status of the Yangtze River Basin (2022)" jointly issued by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, and the Ministry of Transport showed that the recovery of four major fish species, namely, black carp, grass carp, silver carp, and bighead carp, is very significant. According to the latest survey results, the number of fish species reached 193, compared with 168 in early 2020. 

"Before the fish moratorium, fish in the Yangtze River were mainly small. Now, the average body length and weight of fish have increased. Its density and total population are also increasing. If we continue to protect the Yangtze River like this, endangered species should also have hope to recover." said Liu Huanzhang, researcher at IHB. 

(Cover image via CFP)