IHB convened the Symposium on the "Ten-Year Fishing Ban" and the Protection of the Yangtze River on May 19, 2023. (Credit: IHB)

In a concerted effort to steadfastly implement the ten-year fishing ban in the Yangtze River, and to scientifically advance the overall protection and restoration of the Yangtze River system, the Institute of Hydrobiology (IHB) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences convened the Symposium on the "Ten-Year Fishing Ban" and the Protection of the Yangtze River on May 19, 2023. Over a hundred renowned scholars, experts, and young scientists in the field of aquatic biodiversity conservation from across the nation participated in the symposium.   

The symposium focused on the themes of the "Ten-Year Fishing Ban" and the protection of the Yangtze River, featuring 11 academic presentations. IHB Prof. LIU Huanzhang initiated in-depth discussions on the initial achievements of the "Ten-Year Fishing Ban" in the Yangtze River and proposed suggestions for the protection of aquatic organisms in the context of the ban.    

IHB Prof. WANG Jianwei provided a detailed introduction to the basic biology, standardization of experimental animals, and applications of the Chinese rare minnow (gobiocypris rarus). Associate Prof. LIU Fei elaborated on the ecological and environmental status before and after the fishing ban in the Chishui River, the pilot area for the "Ten-Year Fishing Ban," as well as its prospects for protection.  

Additionally, scholars from IHB, Wuhan University, the Yangtze River Fisheries Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, and China Three Gorges Corporation, among other institutions, conducted in-depth discussions on various aspects, including research progress on China's key protected aquatic wildlife, the current status of Yangtze finless porpoise conservation, the ecological and environmental protection status of important water areas, and the resource recovery of the four major economic fish species.   

During this symposium, experts and scholars in the field of aquatic biodiversity conservation in China engaged in extensive discussions regarding the existing achievements, challenges, and future protection strategies for the ten-year fishing ban in the Yangtze River. The relevant outcomes are expected to play a significant role in promoting the successful implementation of the ten-year fishing ban in the Yangtze River in the future.