Core Viewpoint - The ten-year fishing ban on the Yangtze River has significantly impacted local fishermen, necessitating effective support and planning to help them transition to new livelihoods and ensure their well-being while promoting ecological protection and economic development [1][2]. Employment and Livelihood Transition - The Yangtze River fishing ban has led to the establishment of various support measures for fishermen, including employment assistance, social security coverage, and entrepreneurial support, resulting in a comprehensive safety net for those affected [2][3]. - As of 2024, 231,000 fishermen have been affected by the ban, with 145,000 actively transitioning to new jobs, and 220,000 included in pension insurance programs, with over 58,000 already receiving pensions [2][3]. - Local governments have implemented diverse support strategies, such as one-on-one pairing of officials with fishermen to address employment and healthcare issues, achieving a 100% employment and insurance coverage rate in some areas [3][4]. New Economic Opportunities - Fishermen have diversified into various industries, including ecological aquaculture, paper product manufacturing, and environmental protection roles, with many finding new careers that align with their skills and interests [5][6][7]. - The "catch-to-farm" model has gained traction, with significant areas dedicated to aquaculture, providing employment for hundreds of fishermen [7][8]. - Innovative projects, such as the introduction of digital aquaculture technologies, are being developed to enhance productivity and sustainability in the fishing industry [9][11]. Ecological and Cultural Impact - The fishing ban has led to improved ecological conditions in the Yangtze River, fostering biodiversity and creating new tourism opportunities centered around ecological conservation [10][11]. - Fishermen have also engaged in cultural and ecological tourism, with some establishing businesses that promote local heritage and provide employment for fellow fishermen [10][11]. Future Directions - Moving forward, there will be a focus on technological innovation and the transformation of traditional industries to ensure sustainable economic development while maintaining ecological integrity [11].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the positive ecological changes in the Yangtze River basin, particularly in Luzhou, due to the ten-year fishing ban, which has led to increased biodiversity and improved water quality [4][7][8]. Group 1: Ecological Improvements - Since the implementation of the fishing ban, the number of monitored fish species in Luzhou has increased by 13, and the catch per unit effort (CPUE) has risen by 46.3% [6][7]. - The water quality of the Yangtze River is rated as excellent, with 100% of the monitored national control sections classified as grade I-II, and the main river has maintained grade II water quality for four consecutive years [4][6]. - The integrity index of aquatic biological resources in the Luzhou section has improved by two grades compared to pre-ban levels, with key protected species like the Yangtze sturgeon showing significant increases in occurrence rates [8]. Group 2: Fishermen Transition and Employment - A total of 1,429 fishermen have transitioned to land-based employment, with 788 fishing boats retired, and 791 fishermen have achieved stable employment through various support measures [5][6]. - The local government has implemented a pension insurance subsidy program for retired fishermen, providing an annual subsidy of no less than 2,500 yuan per person for an average of 15 years [6][10]. Group 3: Law Enforcement and Monitoring - Luzhou has enhanced its law enforcement capabilities against illegal fishing by deploying 40 high-definition cameras with thermal imaging technology for 24/7 monitoring of key water areas [9]. - The city has established a collaborative enforcement mechanism with neighboring regions to strengthen joint regulatory efforts and protect the river ecosystem [10].

Group 1: Achievements of the Yangtze River Fishing Ban - The number of fishing-related administrative cases has decreased by 24.7% year-on-year, while the resource quantity of monitored native fish species in the Yangtze River main stream has increased by 9.5% [1] - Since the implementation of the ten-year fishing ban, 344 species of native fish have been monitored in the Yangtze River basin, an increase of 36 species compared to the period before the ban [1] - The population of the Yangtze finless porpoise has been observed to increase, with 336 sightings recorded in the Nanjing Yangtze River porpoise provincial nature reserve, indicating a rise from approximately 62 individuals in 2022 [2] Group 2: Restoration of Rare Aquatic Species - The reappearance of the rare Chinese paddlefish, which had not been seen in Hunan for over a decade, signifies the recovery of aquatic resources in the Yangtze River [3][4] - The ongoing monitoring efforts have led to the discovery of over 70 wild Chinese paddlefish in various monitoring points, showcasing the effectiveness of the fishing ban [3][4] Group 3: Environmental Improvements and Ecological Protection - The water quality of the Yangtze River has shown continuous improvement, with the main stream's water quality consistently maintaining a Class II rating [7] - The proportion of water quality in major rivers, including the Yangtze, rated as good reached 92.1% in the first quarter of 2025, reflecting a 0.6 percentage point increase year-on-year [7] - Efforts to combat illegal fishing and enhance ecological restoration have been implemented, including the "Fishing Administration Sword" and "Safe Yangtze" campaigns [4] Group 4: Economic Transition for Fishermen - The fishing ban has led to the transition of over 145,000 fishermen to alternative livelihoods, with all eligible fishermen participating in basic pension insurance [10] - The establishment of agricultural employment bases has allowed former fishermen to engage in farming, with one base expanding to 1,800 acres and achieving a net profit exceeding 1 million yuan in 2024 [10] - Continuous support from various government departments has ensured that fishermen's livelihoods are stable and that they receive necessary assistance [10] Group 5: Future Challenges and Ongoing Efforts - Despite the progress, challenges remain in fully restoring biodiversity and addressing illegal fishing practices [11] - The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs emphasizes the need for ongoing coordination and enforcement to protect aquatic life and ensure the sustainability of the Yangtze River ecosystem [11]

Core Points - The article highlights the significant achievements of the Yangtze River's ten-year fishing ban, showcasing a 24.7% decrease in fishing-related administrative cases and a 9.5% increase in resource quantity at monitoring points along the river [1] - The restoration of biodiversity, including the return of rare aquatic species like the Yangtze finless porpoise and the Chinese sturgeon, is emphasized as a positive outcome of the fishing ban [2][4] - The article discusses the ongoing ecological restoration efforts and the transformation of local economies as fishermen transition to alternative livelihoods [9][10] Summary by Sections Fishing Ban Achievements - The Yangtze River's fishing ban has led to a 24.7% reduction in fishing-related administrative cases and a 9.5% increase in resource quantity at monitoring points [1] - A total of 344 indigenous fish species have been monitored in the Yangtze River basin from 2021 to 2024, an increase of 36 species compared to the period before the ban [1] Biodiversity Restoration - The population of the Yangtze finless porpoise has increased, with 336 sightings recorded in a specific natural reserve, indicating a rise from approximately 62 individuals in 2022 [2] - The reappearance of the rare Chinese paddlefish, previously absent for over a decade, signifies the recovery of aquatic resources in the Yangtze River [3][4] Ecological Protection Efforts - The article outlines various initiatives to combat illegal fishing and enhance aquatic species protection, including the "Fishing Administration Sword" and "Safe Yangtze" campaigns [4] - The Chinese sturgeon release program has surpassed 1 million individuals, with about 110,000 juvenile fish successfully entering the ocean [4] Water Quality Improvement - The overall water quality of the Yangtze River has improved, with monitoring indicating that the water quality remains stable at Class II [7] - By the first quarter of 2025, 92.1% of major river sections are expected to meet good water quality standards, reflecting a 0.6 percentage point increase year-on-year [7] Economic Transition for Fishermen - The fishing ban has prompted over 145,000 fishermen to transition to alternative employment, with 220,000 eligible fishermen enrolled in basic pension insurance [10] - Local governments have provided agricultural skills training and support to ensure stable livelihoods for fishermen who have shifted to farming [10] Ongoing Challenges - Despite the progress, challenges remain in fully restoring the ecological system and addressing illegal fishing practices [11] - Continuous efforts are needed to ensure the stability of employment for former fishermen and to enhance support measures [11]

Core Viewpoint - The article pays tribute to the contributions of Cao Wenxuan, a prominent ichthyologist, highlighting his lifelong dedication to fish research and conservation efforts in China, particularly in the Yangtze River [4][20]. Group 1: Personal Background and Achievements - Cao Wenxuan, born in 1934 in Sichuan, has dedicated over 70 years to fish research, significantly impacting the understanding of aquatic biodiversity in China [4][22]. - He has been instrumental in promoting the artificial breeding of the Wuchang fish, which has become a staple in Chinese households [12][13]. - His research has led to the discovery of 22 new fish species and has provided evidence for geological changes in the Tibetan Plateau through the study of fish evolution [17][14]. Group 2: Conservation Efforts - Since 2006, Cao has advocated for a ten-year fishing ban in the Yangtze River to restore fish populations, which has seen positive results in recent years [20][19]. - The decline in fish populations, particularly the "Four Major Fish" species, has been alarming, with spawning numbers dropping from billions in the 1960s to less than 70 million [19][20]. - The comprehensive fishing ban initiated in 2021 has already shown signs of ecological recovery, with increased sightings of previously rare species like the Yangtze River dolphin [20][22].