Yangtze River Fishing Ban Shows Positive Environmental Impact with Increased Fish Species
China's Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs has reported significant environmental improvements following the implementation of a 10-year fishing ban on the Yangtze River, initiated in 2021. The ban has led to the monitoring of 351 indigenous fish species in the Yangtze River basin, an increase of 43 species compared to the period before the ban. Additionally, the volume of resources in the river's main stream has doubled since the ban's inception. The index of biological integrity in key waters has also improved, reversing previous declines in aquatic biological resources. Enhanced fisheries law enforcement and cross-regional cooperation have contributed to a nearly 40% reduction in fishery-related criminal cases in 2025. The ministry emphasizes the need for continued protection of aquatic life, conservation programs, and habitat restoration to ensure the recovery of aquatic ecosystems. 
