For the past 26 years, a remarkable event unfolds annually in the South China Sea. Thousands of Chinese fishing vessels set sail on the same day after a months-long hiatus, embarking on journeys across the open waters. When they return, their ships are laden with the bounties of the sea, a testament to the replenished marine life.
The South China Sea is one of the world’s most productive fishing regions, hosting half of the global fishing fleet. The fisheries here generate an estimated $100 billion annually, accounting for about 12 percent of the world’s fish catches. They directly support the livelihoods of 3.7 million people, with nearly 300 million relying on the protein these waters provide.
However, like all natural resources, the South China Sea faces the challenge of overfishing. Over the past five decades, fishing activities have surged dramatically. To address this, China implemented a fishing ban in parts of its sovereign waters in the South China Sea in 1999. Each year, from late spring into summer, Chinese vessels return to port for about four months. During this period, safety inspections are conducted, and marine life is given an opportunity to breed and recover.
Fishing bans are a common practice among nations aiming to conserve marine resources. Countries such as India, the United Kingdom, and the United States enforce similar measures to various extents. China’s consistent enforcement of the ban has contributed to significant improvements in the marine environment and biodiversity.
Liu Wei, Director of the Division of Fishery Resources Protection of the Guangdong Provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, noted that “according to the South China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, the quality and quantity of the catches in waters off Guangdong increased by 23 percent and 200 percent respectively compared with that before the fishing ban.”
Over the years, the proportion of sea areas meeting Grade I and II seawater quality standards has increased, while areas with water inferior to Grade IV have decreased to less than 8 percent. China is among the few countries where mangrove forest coverage is on the rise. According to the Ministry of Natural Resources, China has established at least 32 nature reserves for mangroves, planting about 7,000 hectares between 2020 and 2023 to provide natural habitats for marine species and protect coastlines.
Furthermore, China has established a national monitoring and protection system for coral reefs. Real-time monitoring provides data on heat changes, boat intrusions, typhoon threats, and ocean pollution, aiding in the preservation of these vital ecosystems.
Balancing economic development with environmental sustainability is a complex challenge. China’s fishing ban exemplifies efforts to find this balance, exercising restraint to ensure that marine resources are preserved for future generations. It reflects a commitment to environmental stewardship, recognizing that the strength to self-limit and protect natural resources is essential for long-term prosperity.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
