China has announced a significant expansion of fishing restrictions in the Yellow River basin, extending conservation efforts through 2030 to revitalize aquatic ecosystems and ensure sustainable fisheries. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs revealed on Wednesday that three additional primary tributaries will now fall under the ban, covering the river's main stream and 13 major tributaries.
Starting January 1, 2026, year-round prohibitions will apply to the Yellow River's source area and upstream key waters through 2030. A seasonal moratorium from April 1 to July 31 will be enforced annually in downstream sections spanning from Ningxia to the estuary. Only limited quota-based fishing for specific species will be permitted in designated zones during restricted periods.
The ministry emphasized that measures first implemented in 2018 have already shown progress in resource protection and fishery sector development. However, officials stressed that persistent declines in fish populations necessitate continued intervention. Nine provincial-level regions will collaborate to enhance law enforcement and resource monitoring under the renewed policy.
This initiative mirrors China's successful Yangtze River conservation program, which has improved biodiversity since its 2021 launch. As the cradle of Chinese civilization and a vital water source for 12% of the population, the Yellow River remains central to national ecological strategies. The waterway sustains over 50 urban centers and irrigates 17% of the country's farmland, underscoring the ban's socioeconomic significance.
