Survey to assist ecology at West Lake

HANGZHOU — Researchers recently announced the completion of the first survey of fish diversity in the West Lake in Hangzhou, capital of Zhejiang province, paving the way for the improvement of the UNESCO World Heritage site.

During the survey, researchers identified 36 species — including the crucian carp — belonging to nine families and 28 genera, with the carp family dominating.

The survey was conducted between 2021 and last year and shed light on the composition of fish species in the lake, as well as the quantities and weights of different types of fish.

Ding Gaofeng, director of the lake's water body management office, said that the aim of the survey was to improve protection of the lake's ecology and achieve harmony between humanity and nature.

"Fish are an important component of lake ecosystems," said Rao Lihua, deputy director of the office that led the survey. "Clarifying the structure of fish communities and the status of resources were necessary steps in investigating the lake's biodiversity, and also prerequisites for the improvement of its ecology through fish management."

Other biodiversity surveys were completed by researchers from the scenic site's management committee during the 2021-2022 period. A total of 238 terrestrial vertebrate species, 250 aquatic organism species, 77 macrofungus species and 1,353 insect species were surveyed at the West Lake, which is a popular tourist attraction.

More migratory birds now visit in winter, including spot-billed ducks, egrets and common mergansers. Mandarin ducks, which were previously migratory visitors, now stay permanently, Rao said, noting that these changes indicate the improvement of the environment.

"Not long ago, locals saw a Mandarin duck crossing Beishan Road with her four ducklings near the lake, and all the cars stopped to make way for them," Rao said.

In recent years, the management office has implemented a slew of measures to protect and improve the area's biodiversity, including daily monitoring of aquatic organisms, carrying out environmental regulation and control work and establishing waterfowl protection areas.

Some of the lake has been fenced off as part of restoration work to bring aquatic plants back to form an underwater forest that will serve as a natural food source for fish and other aquatic animals, and provide habitats for snails, phytoplankton and benthic animals.

A volunteer team has also been set up to help protect the lake.

While according to Ding, people have protected and managed the lake since ancient times, current management prioritizes conservation and operates in a scientific manner.

Ding noted that the original intention of the lake's management was to enable residents and tourists to appreciate its natural beauty and enjoy the harmonious coexistence of humanity and nature.

In the future, the office will work with other institutions to research the construction of an AI identification system for fish, waterfowl and other organisms to continue improving the lake's biodiversity.

The site received 2.8 million tourist trips during this year's May Day holiday, an increase of 14.24 percent on the same period in 2019.

In 2011, UNESCO added the West Lake to its World Heritage List.

Xinhua