The fishing season began in the South China Sea on Friday with over 100 vessels setting sail for their first catch after the annual summer fishing moratorium came to an end.
The summer fishing break for the South China Sea lasted from May 1 to August 16 this year. The nationwide suspension of fishing has been in place since 1995, implemented to protect the marine environment and fishery resources, and covers the Bohai Sea, the Yellow Sea, the East China Sea and a portion of the South China Sea.
"The summer fishing moratorium makes the ecosystem more stable and robust, which plays a significant role in long-term development," said Hu Zhenyu, director of Sustainable Development and Blue Economy of China Development Institute.
"Additionally, the recovery of marine resources is relatively fast, which positively impacts the healthy development of our fisheries," said Hu.
Vessels set sail in the South China Sea after three and a half months of the summer fishing moratorium, Zhanjiang, south China's Guangdong Province, August 16, 2024. /Zhanjiang Maritime Safety Administration
This year marks 26 years since the summer fishing moratorium was introduced in parts of the South China Sea. Experts suggest that as a next step, existing measures should be upgraded to consolidate and enhance the progress made so far.
A week-long seafood festival is being held from August 16 to 22 to celebrate the list of the fishing moratorium.
The local government hopes this event can help to promote the "Seafood Gourmet Capital" identity of Zhanjiang City, drives industry growth and boosts cultural and tourism spending.