China Overhauls Fisheries Law to Balance Conservation and Livelihoods
00:00/00:00
Listen to this article
1x
Subscribe now
Listen to the full version
Listen to the full version
China has approved the first comprehensive overhaul of its fisheries law in nearly 40 years, strengthening environmental controls while establishing legal protections for the livelihoods of the country’s 18 million fishermen.
The Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, China’s top legislative body, passed the revision Saturday. It is scheduled to take effect May 1, 2026.
You've accessed an article available only to subscribers
VIEW OPTIONS
Unlock exclusive discounts with a Caixin group subscription — ideal for teams and organizations.
Subscribe to both Caixin Global and The Wall Street Journal — for the price of one.
Share this article
Open WeChat and scan the QR code
- DIGEST HUB
Digest Hub
Back
Explore the story in 30 seconds
- China approved its first major fisheries law overhaul in nearly 40 years, expanding from 50 to 90 articles and taking effect May 1, 2026.
- The law strengthens environmental controls, adds protections for 18 million fishermen, mandates aquaculture licenses for those displaced, and shifts to a blacklist for fishing gear regulation.
- Governments must provide job support for displaced fishermen, and closed fishing zones must be based on scientific evidence, not arbitrary decisions.
AI generated, for reference only
What Happened When
- Since December 2024：
- Three rounds of deliberation on the revision of the fisheries law took place.
- December 28, 2024：
- The Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress passed the comprehensive revision of China's fisheries law.
AI generated, for reference only
- MOST POPULAR
Sign in with Google
Sign in with Facebook
Sign in with 财新