Fishing ban brings Yangtze River ecosystems back from the brink

China's conservation efforts on the Yangtze River have brought freshwater ecosystems back from the brink. The 10-year fishing ban, launched in 2021, has achieved "notable phased results," the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs said Tuesday.

Between 2021 and 2025, 351 indigenous fish species were recorded in the Yangtze River basin, 43 more than before the ban, while fish resources in the main stream in 2025 recovered to twice pre-ban levels, the ministry said.

The index of biological integrity in key waterways, including the main stream, improved compared with 2017-2020, reversing the decline in aquatic biological resources.

Fisheries law enforcement has strenghtened nationwide, with cross-regional and multi-agency operations helping to curb illegal fishing, transport and sales. In 2025, fishery-related criminal cases fell by nearly 40% year on year.

The ministry called for efforts to further strengthen protection of aquatic life in the Yangtze River, advance flagship species conservation programs, step up the restoration of important habitats, and promote the overall recovery of aquatic ecosystems.

Solid steps should also be taken to secure the livelihoods of former fishing households, promote stable employment and social security through multiple measures, and steadily improve their living standards, according to the ministry.