Yangtze River sees recovery in aquatic biodiversity

Two new nationally protected species were identified and the natural breeding of the Chinese high-fin banded shark was observed for the first time in nearly 30 years in the Yangtze River Basin, signaling an overall recovery of aquatic biological resources and habitats, according to a new report.

The Communique on Aquatic Biological Resources and Habitat Status in the Yangtze River Basin (2024) was jointly released by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, the Ministry of Water Resources, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, and the Ministry of Transport. It highlights an improving trend in the basin's aquatic biodiversity.

Between 2021 and 2024, 344 indigenous fish species were monitored — an increase of 36 species compared with the period before the 10-year fishing ban began in 2021. In 2024, 230 species were observed, including 15 key protected species, 43 economically significant species and 172 other varieties.