Tai'an fishermen bring in bumper harvest in early Sept

After a 5-month fishing moratorium to protect stocks, nearly a thousand fishing boats headed towards the fishing area offshore Dongping county – located in Tai'an city in East China's Shandong province – on Sept 1.

At 3:40 am, the first ship returned with a bumper load of fish, to the cheers and applause of onlookers.

"The first net emptied here weighed over 500 kilograms, with the largest fish weighing over 10 kg. This year is definitely a good harvest year," said a local fisherman.

Brilliant fireworks light up the night sky, marking the start of the harvest season. [Photo by Liu Weiting and Wang Sheng for chinadaily.com.cn]

Local experts said preparation was definitely the key.

"Fishermen started repairing and maintaining the fishing boats early, preparing fishing nets and related equipment to ensure normal fishing activities after the opening of the season," said Zhang Chongyin, head of the fishing station in Shanglaozhuang township in Dongping county.

Shanglaozhuang is currently home to over 700 fishermen, 203 ships and five fish harvesting locations.

Fishermen bring in the first haul. [Photo by Liu Weiting and Wang Sheng for chinadaily.com.cn]

Businessman Xiao Lin, who has been engaged in the fishing industry for over a decade, sent over 10 trucks to the dock for the first harvest.

He collaborated with local fishermen as early as a month ago and expects to deliver the delicious fish from Dongping county to more and more people's dining tables.

Since the start of the year, Shanglaozhuang has been promoting the integrated development of its fishery and tourism sectors.

The first fishing season opening festival was also held at Anshan Wharf in Dongping county – with activities such as folk cultural performances, aquatic product exhibitions, a fish banquet cooking competition and a beer carnival, among others. (Edited by Chen Chuxuan)