The annual fishing ban in the South China Sea began this week and will last until August 16, local agricultural authorities said Thursday.
Fishing activities in parts of the sea under Chinese jurisdiction will not be allowed, with the exception of angling during the period, said the Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of the southern Chinese province of Hainan.
For its part, a ban on fishing in inland waters began on March 1 and will end on June 30 and covers the main streams, tributaries and lakes along the Nandu, Wanquan and Changhua rivers.
Wang Jinfa, a local fisherman, promised to abide by the fishing ban rules for the sustainable development of the marine environment.
During the three-and-a-half-month fishing ban, safety inspections will be carried out on equipment and fishing vessels, and courses on fishing regulations and fishing skills will be offered to fishermen.
Since 1995, China has put in place an annual fishing ban to protect the marine ecosystem and biodiversity from overfishing. The fishing ban in the South China Sea started in 1999.