China on the fishing boats: A portrait of ocean life

Across the vast waters of the East China Sea, Bohai Sea, Yellow Sea, and South China Sea, generations of fishermen have built their lives at sea. Today, their story is also a window into China's drive toward building a modern maritime power, where ecological protection, technological innovation, and sustainable livelihoods go hand in hand.

1. From setting sail to standing still: the East China Sea during moratorium

In the golden light of early autumn, hundreds of fishing boats rise with the tide, their sails catching the wind as they enter into the East China Sea. It is a long-awaited departure after months of stillness.

Each year around May, the East China Sea falls silent. Nets are folded. Engines quiet. Along the docks, fishermen turn their focus from the waves to the worn threads of their trade—mending gear, repairing boats, and sharpening skills. The seasonal fishing ban plays a vital role in preserving biodiversity and ensuring long-term yields.

2. Frozen waves and festive catch: the Bohai Sea in winter

Far north in Bohai Bay, winter fishing offers a different rhythm. In January, amid icy winds and frozen shallows, fishermen in Shandong hauled in one of the season's prized catches: the barracuda. Fishing here isn't just about sustenance — it's deeply rooted in community culture, woven into local customs and celebrations.

3. Harvest season in the Yellow Sea

In Rizhao, Shandong Province, on the coast of the Yellow Sea, the rhythms of the sea meet the hustle of the shore. At the Rizhao Central Fishing Port, seagulls circled overhead as fishing boats returned and workers sorted oysters dockside.

4. Golden dawn over the South China Sea

At the southern tip of China, spring brings abundant rewards. Hainan fishermen race against time to take advantage of favorable sea conditions during the South China Sea's fishing season.