In a landmark cross-border environmental initiative, China and Vietnam have strengthened their collaboration to restore marine ecosystems in the Beibu Gulf – a vital waterway in the South China Sea connecting both nations. The ongoing fishery stock enhancement program, now in its sixth year, has released over 200 million juvenile fish and shrimp into the gulf since 2018, according to local authorities.
The latest restocking event in south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region saw 30 million high-value species released near the China-Vietnam maritime border. 'This cooperation benefits both our fishermen and the sea itself,' said Huang Wei, a third-generation fisher from Dongxing city. 'The catch volumes have stabilized, and we're seeing species we hadn't seen in decades.'
Scientists from both countries conduct joint monitoring of water quality and biodiversity, with recent surveys showing a 15% increase in fish stocks compared to pre-program levels. The initiative also supports sustainable aquaculture practices among coastal communities, with training programs reaching 5,000 households across both nations.
