Southeast China's Fujian province is making significant strides in marine biodiversity conservation, as shown by its many initiatives to protect and nurture rich aquatic life.
From the silent harbors during the summer fishing moratorium to the "underwater afforestation" of coral reefs, Fujian is committed to balancing marine ecological conservation with sustainable fisheries management.
The summer fishing moratorium is a crucial period for marine species to reproduce and thrive. Lin Xiaokeng, head of the boat management station in Huangqi township, Fuzhou, noted the growing awareness among fishermen about the long-term benefits of this practice.
Fujian has implemented a comprehensive control system that integrates land-sea patrols, inter-provincial coordination, and widespread legal education. Recent monitoring data from the Fisheries Research Institute of Fujian indicate a remarkable increase in the density of yellow croaker and perch in the Minjiang River Estuary Demonstration Area by nearly 80 percent and 40 percent, respectively.
Fujian's approach to marine conservation emphasizes proactive restoration, precise maintenance, and systematic quality improvement. The province has developed a multi-species conservation system, including yellow croaker, grouper, and kelp, supported by a robust provincial aquatic germplasm resource bank.
In a pioneering move, Fujian established a full-chain rescue mechanism for aquatic wildlife, creating a life-saving network for rare species. Notably, breakthroughs in coral reef restoration have led to increased biodiversity in Xiamen waters, showcasing Fujian's success in ecological restoration.
Yan Zhihuang, director of the Fujian Provincial Department of Ocean and Fisheries, said that future efforts will focus on enhancing marine biodiversity conservation and sustainable utilization through strengthened research, digital empowerment, and precise protection.