China began a nationwide fishing ban for the season on May 1, ratcheting up supervision and spurring law enforcement into action.

An oath ceremony for law enforcement authorities was held at the Tiaoshundao Port in South China's Guangdong Province after which more than 20 vessels for supervision and enforcing the moratorium whistled and set sail on their mission.

Members of law enforcement authorities take an oath to implement the ban in Guangdong Province on May 1. (Photos: chinanews.com)

The ban has remained in place force for part of the year since 1995, playing an important role in shielding the ecology and protecting fish stocks. The move has helped shape China’s image as an environmentally responsible nation.

The moratorium usually starts on May 1, while netting catch in rivers is generally stopped from March 1. Local governments can extend the ban depending on the conditions.

Vessels belonging to maritime law enforcement set sail on May 1. 

In 2017, the coastal fishery team of the country joined hands with marine police and public security departments to crack down on violators. China is focusing on enforcement during the fishing ban season this year by publishing fishery regulations.

China has added an additional month to its ocean fishing ban since 2017, and introduced a new ban in the Yellow River, the country's second-longest river, earlier this year.

The ban, which will be effective until June 30, covers the main stream, three major lakes, and 13 tributaries of the Yellow River, according to a previous statement from the Ministry of Agriculture.

According to the ministry, fishing for scientific studies, and taming and breeding purposes during the ban period should be approved by authorities of provincial or higher levels.

China has also imposed a fishing ban along the Yangtze River, the longest river in the country. The annual ban, which runs from March 1 to June 30, covers the spawning season for most of the river's aquatic life. It includes the entire river as well as key tributaries and lakes.

Besides, a similar fishing ban has applied to the Huaihe River, which runs almost parallel between the Yangtze River and the Yellow River.

(Compiled by Dong Feng)