Yangtze River shows signs of recovery after fishing ban.

A study published in Science reports that fish biomass in the Yangtze more than doubled and species diversity rose about 13% after a 2021 fishing ban.

The Yangtze River is showing signs of ecological recovery after a central government fishing ban introduced in 2021. Researchers published results in the journal Science comparing data from the periods 2019–2021 and 2021–2023. They report a more than twofold increase in overall fish biomass and a rise in several endangered species. The ban was paired with compensation and alternative employment for fishers and was designed using principles described as evolutionary game theory. Key findings: - The study compared data from the periods 2019–2021 and 2021–2023. - Overall fish biomass was reported to have more than doubled and species diversity improved by about 13%. - Observed numbers of the Yangtze finless porpoise increased from around 400 to about 600. - The central government spent roughly $3 billion to compensate and re-employ about 200,000 fishers and removed many of an estimated 100,000 boats. - The ban’s design used evolutionary game theory and included measures to provide alternative livelihoods for fishers. - Authors and other biologists note remaining threats such as illegal fishing (noted in the Gan tributary), ongoing water quality problems, and barriers to migratory species from hydropower installations. Summary: Researchers say the measured increases suggest government conservation measures have begun to produce measurable improvements, though the recovery is described as fragile. The study’s authors and other experts highlight ongoing vulnerabilities including illegal fishing, water quality and migration barriers and call for continued conservation and enforcement efforts. Undetermined at this time.