At dawn, colorful boats fan out from Tanmen Town in south China’s Hainan Province, where the ocean has shaped lives for generations. Here, fishing is more than a livelihood—it’s a legacy of resilience and guardianship.
For decades, Tanmen fishermen have not only harvested the South China Sea’s rich bounty but also quietly upheld China’s sovereignty in these waters. Their intimate knowledge of currents and coral reefs has made them the region’s first line of maritime stewardship.
In July 2013, President Xi Jinping stepped aboard one of Tanmen’s traditional wooden vessels to welcome fishermen home, spotlighting their dual role as harvesters and defenders. That moment became a catalyst for change.
Nearly a decade later, Tanmen’s fleet has undergone a rapid transformation. Over 200 vessels—around 60% of the regional fleet—have been retrofitted with eco-friendly engines and satellite navigation, cutting fuel use by up to 30% and boosting safety on offshore missions.
Local cooperatives have also grown stronger. Membership jumped by 25%, fueling artificial reef projects that provincial fisheries data show have boosted local fish populations by 20% in five years.
Yet economics is only part of the story. Tanmen’s fishermen serve as guardians of the South China Sea through regular patrols and community-led monitoring programs, blending time-honored seafaring traditions with drone surveys and digital mapping.
Sustainable tourism is rising too. Cultural workshops and eco-sea tours have drawn 30% more visitors since 2018, turning Tanmen’s fishing lore into immersive learning experiences for travelers seeking responsible coastal adventures.
Onshore, a new generation is steering this heritage into the digital age. Tech-savvy graduates are launching startups for real-time catch tracking and e-commerce platforms, opening global markets for Tanmen’s seafood and proving that tradition and innovation can sail in tandem.
As the sun dips below the horizon of the South China Sea, Tanmen’s fishermen continue their ancient voyage, anchored in heritage yet charting a sustainable course for tomorrow. Their story is a powerful reminder that communities can honor the past while innovating for the future.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
