Fish release to protect species in Lijiang

Lijiang authorities inaugurate the fish release in the Yulong Naxi autonomous county on Oct 20. [Photo/Yunnan.cn]

The Lijiang authorities released 100,000 young Schizothorax prenanti, an endangered indigenous fish species, back into the Liming River in the Yulong Naxi autonomous county on Oct 20.

A combined effort of the agricultural bureaus of Lijiang city and Yulong Naxi autonomous county and the Jinshajiang Fisheries Resources Conservation Association, the action is meant to preserve the fish resources of the Jinshajiang River, the upper reaches of the Yangtze River.

The fingerlings are expected to reproduce, balancing the ecosystem in the river, according to a non-governmental organization in Lijiang which works to restore and preserve the indigenous fish system in the Jinshajiang River.

Young Schizothorax prenanti swim into the Liming River.[Photo/Yunnan.cn]

The group has gained support from government of all levels for its effort to crack down on illegal fishing that uses electricity, explosives and poisons, seriously damaging fishery resources.

"The cooperation of the departments in the releasing activity shows their determination against illegal fishing -- the fishery protection actions are bound to yield good results," a leader of the association said.

People from all departments at all levels take turns pouring the fingerlings into the river through a tube. [Photo/Yunnan.cn]

Edited by Peter Nordlinger