One of China's most important waterways is facing a serious ecological threat. China's State Council Information Office announced Wednesday that the country would be taking strong steps to protect aquatic life in the crucial Yangtze River system. Considered the 'mother-river' of the Chinese nation, the Yangtze boasts a unique ecosystem and abundant aquatic organisms. But years of human activity along the waterway had a strong impact. As biodiversity continues to decline, the conservation situation for the Yangtze's river-life looks increasingly grim. At present, a whopping 92 species of fish in the Yangtze basin are listed as endangered. And the threat-level for rare aquatic animals is increasing rapidly. The State Council says that, moving forward, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Areas, together with other relevant departments, will make arrangements for in-depth mobilizations to perfect conservation measures.

MA YI, DIRECTOR GENERAL OF YANGTZE RIVER FISHERIES ADMINISTRATION MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND RURAL AFFAIRS "It's necessary that we improve the management of the breeding and controlled release of marine animals, scientifically determine the types of release needed, and make reasonable arrangements for the quantities that we release. We aim to establish a strict traceability system and an effective tracking system. It is strictly prohibited to release exotic species, artificial hybrids or transgenic species to natural open waters."