China Coast Guard (CCG) officers have for decades dedicated themselves to protecting the marine ecosystem of the Weizhou Island in south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, the country's only nearshore observation point for Bryde's whales, by employing electronic monitoring systems and public legal education to combat growing threats from illegal fishing and eco-tourism pressures.
The Weizhou Island, given its particular status in the ecosystem, attracts both researchers and eco-tourists, with CCG officers acting as dedicated protectors of the marine mammals in the sea waters around it.
"The marine environment around the Weizhou Island is vibrant, featuring coral reefs and serving as a feeding ground for Bryde's whales, which return for predation each year between December and April," said Wu Yuanpeng, a law enforcement officer at the Haicheng Second Workstation under Guangxi's Beihai Bureau of the CCG.
The Beibu Gulf, home to the Weizhou Island, is situated in the northern part of the South China Sea. It is not only one of China's main fishing grounds but also a crucial habitat for the whales.
"There are illegal fishing activities in this sea area sometimes. There are a lot of fish in these waters, especially small ones. At night, illegal fishing boats use lights to attract them and catch all the small fish that Bryde's whales feed on," Wu said.
Whale watching, a popular tourism item on the island, could disrupt the lives of these marine creatures. To mitigate the possible impact, CCG officers have collaborated with local travel agencies to install electronic fences, preventing boats from entering the central area.
"Our role in ecological and environmental protection is mainly that of a supervisor and law enforcer. Targeting lawbreaking acts, we carry out supervision and inspection in a timely manner," said Li Qian, another law enforcement officer at the Haicheng Second Workstation.
The growing investment in marine fisheries has led to ecological conflicts, prompting authorities to prioritize legal education to curb unintentional illegal fishing.
"In recent years, as marine economic activities have become more frequent involving the application of advanced technology, residents around here have been investing more into marine fisheries. With this growing investment, some conflicts related to marine ecological protection have also emerged. Many of them may not fully understand the law, and when it comes to illegal fishing, they might not even realize that what they're doing is in violation of law. That's why our first step is to focus on legal education -- raising awareness and helping the public understand the relevant laws and regulations," said Lei Guoning, deputy director of the Guangxi's Beihai Bureau of the CCG.
Many tourists visiting the island come from inland areas, where the Coast Guard and maritime law are often distant from their daily lives. But officers ensure that help is always within reach, with the CCG hotline "95110" available for assistance.
"The Weizhou Island -- honestly, since the moment I arrived, I've felt this little island is truly a lovely place. The fishermen and tourists here are all very warm and friendly. The fishermen will greet us whenever they see us, even when we head out to sea. Living and working alongside the people in this jurisdiction, protecting them, really feels like a meaningful job," Li said.
China Coast Guard officers dedicated to protecting marine ecosystem of south China's Weizhou Island
