How do experts explain this issue?
The Yangtze River and the Yellow River are the two most important freshwater rivers in China. These rivers not only address the main agricultural irrigation needs of the local population but also significantly promote the development of freshwater aquaculture.
In mid-2023, a video frequently shared on social media showcased a large number of fish appearing at the Three Gorges Dam—the largest hydropower dam in the world, located in Hubei, China—some weighing over 100 kg.
Despite the stunning sight of such densely packed schools of fish, no one dared to catch them. Why is that?
China’s 10-Year Plan
For a long time, fish have been an essential part of every family meal in China. To capture a larger quantity of fish more quickly, some fishermen have resorted to extreme fishing methods, such as using electric shocks in the Yangtze River.
They completely disregard ecological balance and continue to exploit nature for short-term gains, which has led to a significant decline in fish populations around the Three Gorges Dam, posing a serious threat to the ecological stability of the area.
For immediate gains, many fishermen have engaged in overfishing, leading to a drastic decline in fish populations in the Yangtze River.
In the world, every organism has a specific role in the ecological chain. The “break” in this ecological chain affects the survival of other organisms, and in severe cases, it can trigger a chain reaction within the ecosystem, negatively impacting water quality and species richness at the Three Gorges Dam and the Yangtze River as a whole.
To address this issue, China implemented the “10-Year Fishing Ban Plan” on the Yangtze River starting in 2020.
Once the fishing ban was enforced, all aquaculture activities, including fishing, breeding, and trading, are prohibited in the natural waters of the Yangtze River basin.
This plan is strictly enforced to protect the Yangtze River ecosystem, maintain biodiversity, and promote sustainable development in the region. Anyone who violates the ban is dealt with severely.
Why 10 Years?
According to scientists, 10 years is the appropriate time frame for certain endangered fish species to have a greater opportunity to grow, reproduce, and thrive. This period can also allow some normal fish populations to double their reproduction rates, increasing the overall fish population in the dam.
The Yangtze River is the “breadbasket” for many fish species.
As a result, after a few years of implementing this plan, fish populations at the Three Gorges Dam have increased both in number and species diversity. The sight of countless fish swimming energetically below the dam has delighted many observers.
With improved water conditions at the Three Gorges Dam, many fish species have had the opportunity to grow in size and weight. Among them are carp species that have reached impressive sizes, with some weighing over 100 kg.
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As the third-longest river in the world, the Yangtze River is the “breadbasket” for many extraordinary species. It is home to a diverse range of fish species. Key rare fish species in the Yangtze River include the Chinese sturgeon, white sturgeon, Songjiang perch, and paddlefish. The Chinese sturgeon is a large fish in the Yangtze River and is one of the oldest species in the world, holding significant ecological and scientific research value. These large and abundant fish populations are a beacon of hope for the future of rivers in China, resulting from the 10-year fishing ban plan and serving as a key to maintaining the ecological environment of the Yangtze River. Years after China implemented the 10-year fishing ban, fish stocks in the Yangtze River have continued to grow, especially in the upper reaches of the Three Gorges. |
