China Coast Guard's Successful Conclusion of the 2026 Marine Closed Fishing Enforcement Action
At 12:00 on September 16, with the official end of the fishing moratorium in the East China Sea, our country's marine fishing moratorium has successfully concluded.
This was the first fishing moratorium period after the implementation of the newly revised "Fisheries Law of the People's Republic of China." Local maritime police agencies strictly regulated law enforcement, deploying over 25,000 vessels and inspecting more than 10,000 fishing boats; they seized over 2,000 various illegal fishing vessels, detained more than 900 "three no" fishing boats, confiscated over 1.7 million kilograms of illegally caught fish, initiated 250 criminal cases related to fishing, and apprehended over 900 criminal suspects; they expelled more than 570 foreign fishing vessels, delivering a qualified report on safeguarding the "blue granary."
On May 1 of this year, the newly revised "Fisheries Law of the People's Republic of China" officially came into effect. Local maritime police agencies implemented the new law's requirements, adhering to the principle that "all available vessels should be deployed, all fishing boats should be boarded, and all inspections should be conducted," achieving all-time control and full-area coverage, continuously maintaining a high-pressure regulatory environment, and effectively transforming legal requirements into governance efficiency for fishery protection and development.
Actively exploring a multi-dimensional law enforcement model, comprehensively utilizing various situational awareness methods, closely monitoring key periods such as special fishing, the transition from the moratorium to the opening of fishing, focusing on key sea areas, and jointly organizing concentrated law enforcement control with local marine-related departments, severely cracking down on "three no" fishing vessels and various violations of the moratorium regulations. Deepening the connection between administrative and criminal law, striking hard against illegal fishing crimes, solving a number of illegal fishing cases, and effectively maintaining the order of the fishing moratorium.
This law enforcement action has shown significant control effectiveness, with illegal operations at sea showing a decreasing trend, and the order of the fishing moratorium continuing to improve, promoting the recovery and sustainable use of marine fishery resources.
Currently, it is the peak season for fishing production, and the number of fishing vessels at sea has significantly increased. Maritime police agencies remind fishermen: strictly adhere to laws and regulations and safety production requirements, and conduct fishing operations in accordance with the law; if illegal fishing activities are discovered or in case of maritime emergencies, please promptly call the 95110 maritime alarm hotline.
Source: Law Enforcement Department of the China Coast Guard Bureau Zhang Jizhe Wu Changbao
Video: Jiangsu Coast Guard Bureau Wang Aitao
The China Coast Guard successfully concluded its enforcement actions in the East China Sea on September 16, 2026, following the end of the closed fishing season. Over 25,000 vessels were deployed, inspecting more than 1,000 fishing boats and seizing illegal catches. The operation led to the expulsion of 570 foreign fishing vessels and a notable reduction in illegal fishing activities.
- The closed fishing season in the East China Sea ended on September 16, 2026.
- Over 25,000 vessels were deployed for enforcement actions.
- More than 1,000 fishing vessels were inspected, leading to the seizure of illegal catches.
- 570 foreign fishing vessels were expelled from the area.
- The enforcement actions resulted in a decrease in illegal fishing activities.