Yangtze River Economic Belt: Ep 1 | Fishing ban

The podcast examines the 10-year fishing ban on the Yangtze River, implemented to revitalize the river's ecosystem. The discussion highlights the recovery of native fish species and the finless porpoise population, attributing this success to the fishing ban and pollution control measures. Before the ban, overfishing and pollution had drastically reduced fish populations, with some species nearing functional extinction. The podcast also explores the transition of over 230,000 fishermen to new roles through government-provided social security, financial support, and vocational training, with many becoming river patrollers or engaging in eco-tourism. While acknowledging the progress, the speakers emphasize the need for continued efforts to strengthen legal protections and maintain ecological balance, noting that the finless porpoise remains rarer than pandas.