Amendment adds green focus for fishing industry

China's top legislature on Saturday adopted a revision to the Fisheries Law, aiming to advance the country's fishing industry and foster greater green development.

The revised law, passed at a session of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress, will take effect on May 1.

The legislation calls for balancing development with ecological security, as well as resource conservation with sustainable use, placing equal emphasis on both the quantity and quality of production.

It strengthens provisions on the promotion and regulation of aquaculture, tightens management on fishing activities, enhances protection of fishery resources, and bolsters oversight.

Originally enacted in 1986, China's Fisheries Law has been amended four times, most recently in 2013. However, the previous framework could no longer effectively address current challenges, including resource depletion and the need for industrial upgrading, according to an official with the NPC Standing Committee's Legislative Affairs Commission.

The revised law calls for greater support for scientific and technological research in fisheries, as well as the application and commercialization of research results. It also encourages the development of improved aquatic species and new facilities.

Local governments are authorized to formulate management measures for recreational fisheries based on local conditions, the law says.

In addition, the revised legislation promotes resource-saving and environmentally friendly farming models. To curb pollution, operators are required to scientifically determine stocking densities and properly use feed and approved drugs. Wastewater from farms must meet pollutant discharge standards before being released.

The law also emphasizes the implementation of a fishing quota system. It clarifies that total allowable catch limits will be determined based on the principle that fishing volume must remain lower than the growth rate of fishery resources. Approvals for fishing vessels and gear will be granted on a graded and classified basis.

To strengthen resource protection, the revised law introduces a system for safeguarding important waters related to fisheries. It also improves regulations on fishing bans, including clearer specifications on geographic scope, duration and prohibited activities.

The law further mandates the protection of aquatic germplasm resources, including the establishment of a national resource bank to preserve genetic diversity. Approval procedures for the import and export of such resources will be tightened.

A new chapter on supervision and management clarifies enforcement powers, defines responsibilities between fishery authorities and coast guard authorities, and establishes a mechanism for coordinated law enforcement.

In addition, the legislation tightens the regulation of vessels without a name, certification, or port of registry, strictly banning their fishing activities and prohibiting ports from supplying them with fuel, water, or ice. These measures provide a legal basis for forcing illegal operators out of the market.