Across the vast waters of the East China Sea, Bohai Sea, Yellow Sea, and South China Sea, generations of fishermen have built their lives at sea. Today, their story is also a window into China’s drive toward building a modern maritime power, where ecological protection, technological innovation, and sustainable livelihoods go hand in hand.

1. From setting sail to standing still: the East China Sea during moratorium

In the golden light of early autumn, hundreds of fishing boats rise with the tide, their sails catching the wind as they enter into the East China Sea. It is a long-awaited departure after months of stillness.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-06-06/China-on-the-fishing-boats-A-portrait-of-ocean-life-1DZ8sy0qMCs/img/e8b31421967a42b1a2efb9a3d51cd5fc/e8b31421967a42b1a2efb9a3d51cd5fc.jpeg' alt='A fleet of over 700 fishing boats departs a port in Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, setting sail for the East China Sea on September 20, 2024. /VCG'

Each year around May, the East China Sea falls silent. Nets are folded. Engines quiet. Along the docks, fishermen turn their focus from the waves to the worn threads of their trade—mending gear, repairing boats, and sharpening skills. The seasonal fishing ban plays a vital role in preserving biodiversity and ensuring long-term yields.