What progress has China's Yangtze River fishing ban made since 2021?

Since the ban began in 2021, the Yangtze River has seen an increase of 43 indigenous fish species, resource volume has doubled in the main stream by 2025, and illegal fishing cases fell by nearly 40% in 2025.

How has the Yangtze River's ecosystem responded to the fishing ban?

The index of biological integrity in key waters has improved, reversing the decline in aquatic biological resources and indicating an overall recovery of aquatic ecosystems.

What measures are being taken to ensure the success of the Yangtze fishing ban?

Efforts include strengthening aquatic life protection, advancing flagship species conservation, stepping up habitat restoration, promoting ecosystem recovery, and securing livelihoods for former fishers.

Yangtze River Fishing Ban Yields Surprising Biodiversity Gains

1 Apr

Summary

Fish species increased by 43 since the ban began.
Resource volume doubled in the main river stream.
Illegal fishing cases dropped nearly 40% last year.

Yangtze River Fishing Ban Yields Surprising Biodiversity Gains

Since its implementation in 2021, China's decade-long fishing ban on the Yangtze River has yielded notable phased results, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs. Between 2021 and 2025, monitoring revealed 351 indigenous fish species, an increase of 43 compared to the pre-ban period. Resource volume in the main stream of the Yangtze River is reported to have recovered to twice the pre-ban level by 2025.

The index of biological integrity in key waters, including the main Yangtze River stream, has improved, reversing the decline in aquatic resources. Enforcement has also strengthened, with cross-regional and multi-departmental efforts significantly curbing illegal fishing, transport, and sales. In 2025 alone, fishery-related criminal cases decreased by nearly 40% year-on-year. The ministry emphasized continued efforts in aquatic life protection, habitat restoration, and conservation of flagship species to promote overall ecosystem recovery.

Disclaimer: This story has been auto-aggregated and auto-summarised by a computer program. This story has not been edited or created by the Feedzop team.

Home / Environment / Yangtze River Fishing Ban Yields Surprising Biodiversity Gains

Yangtze River Fishing Ban Yields Surprising Biodiversity Gains

1 Apr

•

Summary

Fish species increased by 43 since the ban began.
Resource volume doubled in the main river stream.
Illegal fishing cases dropped nearly 40% last year.

Disclaimer: This story has been auto-aggregated and auto-summarised by a computer program. This story has not been edited or created by the Feedzop team.