Chen Xianming spent 53 years casting nets into the Yangtze River, following a family tradition spanning generations. But in 2021, his life shifted course when China introduced a decade-long fishing ban to revive the ecosystem of Asia's longest river.
A New Chapter for River Warriors
\"The river fed my family, but we needed to feed it back,\" says Chen, now one of 230,000 former fishers transformed into conservation guardians. Armed with infrared cameras and water quality sensors instead of nets, these protectors patrol 6,300 km of waterways.
Ecosystem Rebound in Real Time
Three years into the ban, results astonish even veterans: fish stocks increased 45% since 2020, while rare Yangtze finless porpoises – numbering just 1,012 in 2017 – now breach regularly near Wuhan. Drones capture migratory bird flocks 300% larger than pre-ban numbers.
Balancing Heritage and Habitat
While some villages transitioned to ecological tourism, Chen's team focuses on removing 12 tons of waste monthly. \"We're rewriting our relationship with nature,\" he reflects, as water transparency improves from 0.3m to 1.2m in key zones.
Reference(s):
'River and I': Former fisherman, now a guardian of the Yangtze River
cgtn.com
