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Yangtze River Blooms: Fish Stocks Surge After Ban
13 Feb
Summary
- Fish biomass in the Yangtze doubled after a 2021 fishing ban.
- Endangered species, including the finless porpoise, have rebounded.
- The ban involved supporting 200,000 fishers with new jobs.
The Yangtze River in China is experiencing a significant ecological recovery following a comprehensive fishing ban implemented in 2021. Biologists report that fish biomass in the river has more than doubled, and several endangered species have shown signs of a robust comeback. This positive development offers hope for reversing decades of environmental degradation.
The success is attributed to a 10-year fishing ban, designed using evolutionary game theory to ensure cooperation between communities, local governments, and the central government. The Chinese government invested approximately $3 billion to provide alternative employment and compensation for around 200,000 fishers, dismantling many of the fishing boats previously in use.
Research published in the journal Science indicates a twofold increase in overall biomass and a 13% improvement in biodiversity since the ban. Notably, the population of the Yangtze finless porpoise increased from 400 to 600 individuals. However, experts emphasize that the ecosystem remains vulnerable, and continued strict conservation and enforcement measures are crucial to address ongoing threats like illegal fishing and habitat restoration needs.
