Chongqing - In 2025, China marks the fifth year of its ten-year fishing ban on the Yangtze River. Yet, the commitment to protecting the river’s rare aquatic life began much earlier.
Back in 2013, researchers at the Wanzhou Fisheries Research Institute in Chongqing took root along the upper reaches of the Yangtze River, building on earlier efforts to protect dozens of rare fish species, including the Myxocyprinus asiaticus (Chinese sucker) and the Chinese sturgeon.
On April 11, 2025, Fu Qiumin, head of the Dazhou base of Chongqing Wanzhou Fisheries Research Institute, inspects the fish nests for signs of natural spawning. (Photo/Zhang Chunxiao)
At the mouth of a tributary in Dazhou Town, Wanzhou District, dozens of floating cages quietly drift on the emerald waters at the institute’s Dazhou base. Within these cages, 22 species of adult and broodstock fish native to the Yangtze are carefully cultivated. Benefiting from the area’s excellent water conditions, rare species bred at the Shuanghekou Experimental Station—located more than 30 kilometers away—thrive here in an environment that closely mimics their natural habitat, preserving precious genetic resources for the future.
Over the past twelve years, researchers have weathered summer heat and winter chill, dedicating themselves to their mission without pause. In the early days, they dug earthworms along the riverbank to feed the fish due to a lack of specialized feed. Today, breeding techniques for many rare species have matured significantly.
On April 11, 2025, Fu Qiumin records water temperature data next to the floating cage at the Dazhou base. (Photo/Zhang Chunxiao)
On April 11, 2025, staff members of relevant departments count Chinese sucker broodstock at the Dazhou base. (Photo/Zhang Chunxiao)
On April 11, 2025, Fu Qiumin examines gill samples from Chinese sucker under a microscope at the Dazhou base. (Photo/Zhang Chunxiao)
On April 11, 2025, a researcher checks the status of fish eggs inside hatching tanks at the Shuanghekou Experimental Station of the Chongqing Wanzhou Fisheries Research Institute. (Photo/Zhang Chunxiao)
On April 11, 2025, researchers observe fish specimens in the specimen room of the Shuanghekou Experimental Station. (Photo/Zhang Chunxiao)
On April 11, 2025, an outdoor pond at the Shuanghekou Experimental Station serves as a “cradle” for various rare fish species. (Photo/Zhang Chunxiao)
On April 11, 2025, Wang Fei, head of the research group at the Chongqing Wanzhou Fisheries Research Institute, samples pond water to assess rotifer levels before transferring fry into the pond for rearing. (Photo/Zhang Chunxiao)
With time as their vessel and dedication as their anchor, the ripples created by their quiet protection are destined to swell into mighty waves of ecological renewal.
(Zhang Chunxiao, a reporter from Chongqing Daily, contributed to this report's Chinese version.)