China's Yangtze River basin, once threatened by overfishing and habitat loss, is witnessing a remarkable ecological turnaround following the implementation of a decade-long fishing moratorium. Official data reveals 344 native fish species were documented between 2021 and 2024 – a 36-species surge compared to pre-ban levels recorded from 2017 to 2020.
The findings, released during a Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs forum in Hubei Province, highlight the success of conservation efforts along Asia's longest river. Environmentalists point to visible improvements in water quality and the return of rare species like the Yangtze sturgeon as evidence of the basin's recovering ecological balance.
"This recovery represents a critical step in preserving the Yangtze's role as China's freshwater lifeline," stated a ministry spokesperson during the event. Authorities remain committed to long-term monitoring to balance ecological restoration with sustainable development in the economically vital region.
