Hunan to Start All-round Fishing Ban

　　Hunan will extend an all-round fishing ban in 5 nature reserves and 39 national and provincial aquatic population protection zones. The statement was announced by the fishery authority of Hunan Provincial Animal Husbandry and Aquatic Products Bureau. No unit or individual will be allowed to engage in fishing in the production zones by 2018. Yearly ban on commercial fishing is expected to be made in these zones. Meanwhile, Hunan plans to release 830 million of fry this year.

　　Hunan has held fish releasing and fishing ban for 16 consecutive years since 2002. The province has extended annual fishing ban in Changsha section of the Xiangjiang River and waters of its seven tributaries since April 1, 2016. Policies are implemented to help fishermen in these areas to find jobs.

　　To strengthen annual fishing ban management, Changsha fishery authority has implemented 24-hour patrol to oversee the fishing industry, and dispatched 2,287 officials for 46 checks.

　　As a result of continued implementation of various protection measures, the water quality in Hunan has been significantly improved and fishery resources protected.