Fishing Ban Fuels Aquatic Comeback in Yangtze Basin
The Yangtze River basin on the Chinese mainland is showing clear signs of ecological rebound after the launch of a 10-year fishing ban in 2021. A recent government meeting revealed that biodiversity is on the rise.
Between 2021 and 2024, conservation teams monitored 344 native fish species in the basin – up 36 species compared with the 308 recorded from 2017 to 2020. The findings were shared by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs at a gathering in central Hubei Province on the Chinese mainland on Friday.
Experts link this recovery to improved water quality, habitat restoration efforts, and community-led patrols that help enforce the ban. Former fishermen are now playing a key role as eco-guards, collecting data and raising awareness.
Key Highlights:
- 202121024: 344 native fish species monitored
- 20172020: 308 native fish species monitored
- Increase of 36 species after fishing ban
- Ban scheduled to continue through 2030
Looking ahead, officials hope to expand riverbank reforestation and sustainable tourism initiatives to keep the momentum going. This Yangtze success story offers a blueprint for river restoration projects around the world.
Fun fact: Stretching over 6,300 kilometers, the Yangtze supports millions of residents and diverse ecosystems across the Chinese mainland.
Reference(s):
China's iconic Yangtze River basin sees improving aquatic biodiversity
cgtn.com
