China’s ecological conservation efforts have achieved a landmark victory as the Yangtze River’s finless porpoise population demonstrates extraordinary recovery, reaching 1,426 individuals in 2025 according to the latest census data. This remarkable resurgence represents a significant turnaround for a species once teetering on the brink of extinction.
The dramatic population increase is largely attributed to China’s comprehensive 10-year fishing ban implemented in 2021, which has facilitated the restoration of the river’s ecological balance. The ban has allowed fish stocks to replenish, providing adequate food resources for the porpoises while reducing accidental bycatch deaths that previously threatened the species.
At the forefront of this conservation success story stands Wang Qiong, a National People’s Congress deputy and chief engineer at Zongguan Waterworks in Wuhan. With three decades of experience monitoring Yangtze River water quality, Wang has leveraged her expertise to champion porpoise protection through annual legislative proposals since her 2023 election to the NPC.
“The fishing ban has created unprecedented conditions for ecological recovery,” Wang stated. “We’re witnessing how targeted policy interventions can reverse environmental degradation when implemented with scientific precision and enforcement rigor.”
Wang’s ongoing advocacy during the current Two Sessions political gatherings emphasizes the need for sustained conservation measures beyond the initial fishing moratorium. Her proposals include enhanced monitoring systems, expanded protected habitats, and community engagement programs to ensure long-term species viability.
The finless porpoise’s recovery serves as an indicator species success story, reflecting broader improvements in Yangtze River water quality and ecosystem health. Conservation experts highlight how this achievement demonstrates China’s growing capability in balancing economic development with environmental protection priorities.
International environmental organizations have begun recognizing China’s Yangtze conservation model as a potential blueprint for endangered aquatic species protection worldwide. The combination of strict regulatory measures, scientific monitoring, and legislative advocacy has created a replicable framework for ecosystem restoration.