The Yangtze River, once in severe ecological decline, is demonstrating a remarkable recovery following the implementation of a comprehensive 10-year fishing ban. This marks one of the most significant freshwater conservation success stories in decades, according to leading biologists.
The Crisis and the Response
For seventy years, the Yangtze – the world’s third-longest river and a lifeline for 400 million people – suffered from habitat destruction, pollution, and unsustainable fishing practices. The river witnessed devastating biodiversity loss, including the extinction of the baiji dolphin, once revered as a goddess, by the early 21st century.
Chinese scientists had long advocated for a total fishing ban, but only in 2021 did the central government enforce a strict, decade-long prohibition. This was not just a top-down directive; it was carefully designed using evolutionary game theory to anticipate how communities, local administrations, and the central government would respond to incentives and penalties.
Economic Transition and Ecological Gains
The ban’s effectiveness hinged on addressing the economic impact on the roughly 200,000 professional fishers who depended on the river. The government invested approximately $3 billion in compensation and alternative employment opportunities, dismantling an estimated 100,000 fishing vessels.
The results, published in Science journal, are striking. Researchers observed a more than doubling of fish biomass between 2019-2021 and 2021-2023. Biodiversity has improved by 13%, and several endangered species are rebounding. The Yangtze finless porpoise, for instance, saw its population rise from 400 to 600 individuals.
Lessons for Global River Management
This recovery is not merely a localized success. Biologists, like Sébastien Brosse of the University of Toulouse, emphasize the implications for other struggling waterways worldwide. The Yangtze’s experience provides a blueprint for ambitious conservation efforts, particularly in regions facing similar pressures. The Mekong River, with its own ecological challenges, could benefit from adopting similar strategies.
“It is one of the first times that we can say that government measures have not just worked, but have really improved things,” said Sébastien Brosse.
Remaining Challenges and Future Outlook
Despite the progress, the Yangtze remains vulnerable. Illegal fishing persists, especially in tributaries like the Gan. Water quality requires further improvement, and critically endangered species such as the Chinese sturgeon need unimpeded access to spawning grounds around massive hydropower plants.
The Yangtze River’s revival demonstrates that determined government action, coupled with economic transition and rigorous enforcement, can reverse decades of ecological decline. The success story signals a shift in China’s approach to environmental management and offers a beacon of hope for river ecosystems globally.
