ZHANJIANG CITY, Aug 18 – The fishing season began in the South China Sea on Friday with over 100 vessels setting sail for their first catch after the annual summer fishing moratorium came to an end, CGTN reported.
The summer fishing break for the South China Sea lasted from May 1 to August 16 this year. The nationwide suspension of fishing has been in place since 1995, implemented to protect the marine environment and fishery resources, and covers the Bohai Sea, the Yellow Sea, the East China Sea and a portion of the South China Sea.
“The summer fishing moratorium makes the ecosystem more stable and robust, which plays a significant role in long-term development,” said Hu Zhenyu, director of Sustainable Development and Blue Economy of China Development Institute.
A week-long seafood festival is being held from August 16 to 22 to celebrate the list of the fishing moratorium.
The local government hopes this event can help to promote the “Seafood Gourmet Capital” identity of Zhanjiang City, drives industry growth and boosts cultural and tourism spending.
