Yangtze River Basin Shows Signs of Aquatic Recovery

A new report indicates a positive trend in the recovery of aquatic biological resources and habitats within the Yangtze River Basin. This assessment follows the joint release of the Communique on Aquatic Biological Resources and Habitat Status in the Yangtze River Basin (2024) by several government ministries. The report highlights significant improvements in the region's aquatic biodiversity.

Between 2021 and 2024, monitoring efforts documented 344 indigenous fish species, representing an increase of 36 species compared to the period before the implementation of a 10-year fishing ban in 2021. In 2024 alone, 230 species were observed, including 15 key protected species, 43 economically significant species, and 172 other varieties.

the long-fin rhino gudgeon and the vermilion botia. Furthermore, the natural reproduction of the Chinese high-fin banded shark was observed for the first time in nearly 30 years, a rare event.

The report also noted the steady recovery of commercially important species, such as the four major Chinese carps. The volume of carp larvae in a section of the river's middle reaches has increased significantly since 2020. Additionally, the Chinese tapertail anchovy population at the Yangtze estuary has seen substantial growth.

Conservation efforts are also yielding positive results in specific tributaries. In the Chishui River, the number of released Yangtze sturgeon, a nationally protected species, has increased. Eels were also recorded in the Chishui city section of the river for the first time in over two decades.

Despite these positive developments, the conservation of critically endangered species remains a challenge. All Yangtze sturgeon found in the wild were released through artificial stocking programs. Furthermore, Chinese sturgeon have not been observed reproducing naturally for eight consecutive years. In 2024, only a small number of adult Chinese sturgeon reached their critical spawning grounds.

To address these challenges, the ministry plans to enhance its rare species rescue action plan. This includes implementing intensified conservation measures and expanding artificial breeding programs. As part of these efforts, a significant number of Chinese sturgeon have been released into the river this year.