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].