Since the implementation of a decade-long fishing ban, the Yangtze River has witnessed a remarkable resurgence in aquatic biodiversity, with phased successes driven by targeted policies and measures, according to the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs.
China started to implement the fishing ban in the Yangtze River Basin in 2021 to accelerate the ecological restoration of its aquatic biodiversity and water environment.
Over the past four years, fish resources in the region have demonstrated significant recovery. Monitoring data reveals 344 native fish species were recorded from 2021 to 2024 – an increase of 36 species compared to the 2017-2020 pre-ban period, confirming sustained recovery of aquatic biodiversity.
The Yangtze finless porpoise is a national first-class protected wild animal, and its population status serves as a "barometer" of the Yangtze River's ecological environment. At the Institute of Hydrobiology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, two female Yangtze finless porpoises were recently confirmed pregnant. Since implementation of the fishing ban, ultrasonic image monitoring of the finless porpoise's full embryonic development process has been achieved here, with developmental image archives constructed for different stages after follicular growth.
In addition, the institute joined with multiple partner institutions to build a real-time acoustic-image intelligent monitoring platform for aquatic mammals and established a comprehensive protection system for the Yangtze finless porpoise, leading to continuous improvement in the species’ habitat and population.
China conducts a census of the Yangtze finless porpoise population every five years. In 2022, the population reached 1,249 individuals, reflecting an increase of over 200 compared to 2017 figures.
"We have established eight nature reserves and three ex-situ conservation areas of Yangtze finless porpoise in the Yangtze River, which should be said to form a Chinese scheme for the protection of rare and endangered small cetacean," said Hao Yujiang, an associate research fellow at the Institute of Hydrobiology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
The Chishui River, one of the most important tributaries in the upper Yangtze River basin, serves as a vital habitat and breeding ground for many rare fish species. Researchers have continued artificial breeding, proliferation, and release efforts for these rare wild fish. As a result, the number of rare species in the Chishui River has increased from seven to nine.
Furthermore, 11 species—including the Yangtze sturgeon and freshwater eel, which had disappeared from the river for many years—have reappeared since the fishing ban was implemented.
Yangtze River sees strong recovery in aquatic biodiversity amid fishing ban
