China revises Fisheries Law

Chinese lawmakers on Saturday voted to adopt a revision to the Fisheries Law, which aims to further boost the high-quality development of the sector.

The revised law, passed at a session of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, will take effect on May 1, 2026.

The revision highlights provisions on the promotion and regulation of aquaculture, stricter management of fishery harvesting, enhanced fishery resource protection, and strengthened fishery supervision and administration.

The revised law stipulates that China will encourage organizations and individuals to scientifically utilize suitable waters and tidal flats for aquaculture development and support resource-saving, environmentally friendly and quality-assured farming practices.

Regarding the protection of fishery resources, the revised law stipulates that China will further enhance the collection and preservation of aquatic germplasm resources while banning fishing activities in prohibited fishing zones.

China's current Fisheries Law came into force in 1986.