South China sea fishing ban lifted

Around 9,000 fishing boats are ready to set sail from south China's Hainan Province as a seasonal fishing ban in the South China Sea was lifted on Saturday.

To celebrate the end of the ban lasting 10 weeks, the boats are decorated with colored flags and fishermen will compete in tests of skill in Tanmen Town of Qionghai City in the next two days.

Nearly 40,000 fishermen and sailors have been resting and taking the chance to repair their boats since the ban was imposed on May 16.

China has imposed the fishing ban in the South China Sea since 1999. Although it has reduced the income of local fishermen, it helps protect fishing resources and ensure the fishing industry's sustainability.
  Xinhua -  globaltimes.cn  
1/8/15
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