China Stocks Rivers With 150 Billion Fish

During the 2021-2025 period, China has successfully released more than 150 billion aquatic juveniles into its rivers, lakes, and seas. This extensive effort has delivered substantial ecological, economic, and social advantages, according to a senior agriculture official.

This practice of releasing artificially bred juveniles into natural waters is globally recognized for conserving aquatic resources, restoring water ecosystems, and protecting biodiversity. Experts emphasize its importance in replenishing declining fish populations and supporting rural economies.

The positive impacts are already evident, with over 90 percent of Chinese prawns caught in the Bohai Sea and more than 30 percent of large yellow croaker in the East China Sea originating from stocked populations. Specific successes include the re-establishment of a natural population of big-head schizothoracin in Xinjiang's Bosten Lake and significant ocean migration for released Chinese sturgeon in the Yangtze River basin.

These conservation efforts are ongoing, with over 500 million juveniles released across more than 200 localities since June 5th, marking the 12th consecutive year of such initiatives. The country is currently observing seasonal fishing bans in its major coastal seas and fishing moratoriums in seven major inland river systems, providing a crucial window for aquatic life to thrive.