After decades of environmental decline, the Yangtze River is showing early signs of recovery thanks to a sweeping fishing ban introduced by China in 2021.
The Yangtze River Basin, one of the world’s most important biodiversity hotspots, had suffered severe damage from overfishing, pollution, shipping, and development for more than 70 years.
Scientists now report that the 10-year fishing ban has not only stopped the decline of fish populations but has also begun to restore the river’s ecosystem.
The findings come from a major study led by researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and published in the journal Science.
The team analyzed monitoring data collected between 2018 and 2023 to compare conditions before and after the ban was fully enforced.
They examined changes in fish species diversity, population size, body condition, and overall biomass, as well as environmental factors such as water quality and climate influences.
The results were encouraging. Fish populations increased, species diversity improved, and many fish appeared healthier. Larger fish species benefited the most, with noticeable growth in their numbers and overall weight. Researchers say this is a strong sign that removing fishing pressure allowed fish to mature and reproduce more successfully.
Some rare and endangered species also showed early signs of recovery. Populations of the Yangtze sturgeon, Chinese sucker, and tube fish—species that had nearly disappeared—began to stabilize.
Another fish, the slender tongue sole, expanded its migration range farther upstream, suggesting that habitats are becoming more suitable again. However, scientists caution that not all species are recovering equally, and some remain at risk.
The recovery is not limited to fish. The Yangtze finless porpoise, the river’s only remaining freshwater mammal, has also shown improvement.
Its population rose from 445 individuals in 2017 to 595 in 2022, a significant increase after years of decline. This suggests that the ecosystem as a whole is becoming healthier.
Researchers identified the fishing ban as the main reason for the improvements. Other supportive measures also played a role, including better water quality management, reduced boat traffic, and the restoration of riverbank vegetation. Together, these actions have created a more stable environment for aquatic life.
Despite the positive trends, scientists emphasize that recovery is still in its early stages. The Yangtze ecosystem faced decades of damage, and rebuilding it will take time. Continued protection, monitoring, and cooperation between conservation efforts and economic development will be essential to ensure the progress lasts.
The Yangtze River Protection Law, which supports the fishing ban, represents one of the largest conservation efforts ever undertaken for a freshwater system. Early results suggest that strong policy action can reverse long-term environmental decline when combined with science-based management.
If the recovery continues, the Yangtze could become a powerful example of how ecosystems can rebound when given a chance. For now, the return of fish and wildlife offers hope that even heavily damaged environments can heal with sustained protection and careful stewardship.
