Chinese scientists are mounting an intensive, long-term effort to protect one of the Yangtze River’s last remaining large aquatic species the critically endangered finless porpoise. The campaign has gained momentum since a sweeping ban on all fishing in the river and its connected lakes came into force, aimed at giving the ecosystem a chance to recover.
Once home to a rich diversity of life, the Yangtze has suffered severe ecological losses in recent decades. The last known Yangtze River dolphin, or baiji, died in 2002, followed a year later by the extinction of the rare paddlefish. Despite being fitted with a radio tag before release, the final paddlefish was never seen again.
Today, scientists are determined to prevent the finless porpoise from meeting the same fate. Professor Wang Xi describes it as the river’s only remaining top-level predator a species whose population is seen as a key indicator of the Yangtze’s overall ecological health. Any increase in its numbers signals a positive turn for the river’s environment.
The idea of halting all fishing was first proposed in 2006 by Professor Cao Wenxuan of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. After years of debate, the 10-year ban was finally implemented about five years ago. Enforced along the river and its tributaries, the measure has disrupted livelihoods but is offering a rare window for the Yangtze’s wildlife and its iconic finless porpoise to recover.
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