Seasonal fishing bans extended nationwide

All major bodies of waters in China are now subject to seasonal fishing bans as the latest fishing moratoriums were approved.

The fishing ban along the Haihe, Liaohe and Songhua rivers runs from May 16 until July 31 each year, and the annual moratorium on the Qiantang River lasts from March 1 to June 30, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs.

"The Haihe, Liaohe and Songhua rivers in northern China are home to more than 100 species of fish, and at least three species are listed as rare or threatened animals that require special protection," Yu Kangzhen, vice-minister of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, said at a news conference on Monday.