China
An ecological odyssey
By Filipe Porto  ·  2024-07-24  ·   Source: NO.30 JULY 25, 2024
Filipe Porto (second right) takes part in a ceremony for the release of artificially bred Chinese sturgeon into the Yangtze River in Yichang, Hubei Province, on March 28 (ZHANG WEI)

When I embarked on a mission to record a video about the release of Chinese sturgeon into the Yangtze River, I never imagined the profound connection it would have with fish repopulation efforts in my home country of Brazil. This journey, taking place in the city of Yichang, Hubei Province, unveiled a deep and strategic partnership between China and Brazil, particularly in the realm of ecological preservation and energy cooperation.

China's presence in Brazil is fostering a cleaner energy matrix, enhancing the wellbeing of the planet. The partnership also extends beyond energy and includes joint efforts to repopulate fish in rivers, a vital endeavor for ecological balance. A major player in both countries, energy giant China Three Gorges Corp. (CTG) epitomizes this strategic partnership. 

China has been working to increase numbers of the Chinese sturgeon in the Yangtze River for over four decades. The annual release of young Chinese sturgeon is a collaborative effort involving CTG, government departments, research institutions and volunteers. Dr. Du Hejun, a key figure in this initiative and a researcher with the CTG Chinese Sturgeon Research Institute, shared ambitious plans for 2024: releasing over 1 million Chinese sturgeon. On the day I visited, 200,000 were released with the assistance of dedicated local volunteers, including one proud Yichang resident I met who showed me a newspaper with his photo on the front page.

For those unfamiliar with the Chinese sturgeon, it is a migratory fish, often dubbed the "aquatic panda," indicating the value attached to it. Relatively unchanged for over 150 million years, it is a living relic from the age of the dinosaurs and can grow up to five meters in length. However, its population faced a drastic decline at the end of the 20th century. Recognizing its critical role in the ecosystem, China banned sturgeon fishing in 1983, and CTG has been instrumental in efforts to restore its numbers.

The ecological significance of these efforts cannot be overstated. The Chinese sturgeon is a crucial link in the ecological chain, contributing to the stability of the entire ecosystem. Its disappearance would trigger a cascade of disruptions. The Yichang-based CTG Chinese Sturgeon Research Institute has expanded its work beyond fish reproduction to include wildlife monitoring, ecological restoration and genetic management to prevent inbreeding.

Du emphasized the importance of societal awareness in ecological conservation. Inviting me to enter the tank to swim with the sturgeon, he demonstrated the fish's gentle nature, reinforcing its nickname, the aquatic panda. After this experience, he drew my attention to the remarkable connection with Brazil.

Like China, Brazil prioritizes ecological preservation as a national imperative. Du told me about the "Dr. Fish" of Brazil, Norberto Vianna, an environmental specialist at CTG Brazil who oversees a similar operation. Every year, CTG releases 3.6 million fish into Brazilian rivers, including the Paraná and Paranapanema in the south of Brazil. These efforts aim to correct gender imbalances and ensure stable fish reproduction, crucial for sustaining the fishing economy and riverine communities.

The lesson for me was clear: Different regions employ diverse solutions, but the goal remains the same—protecting and preserving aquatic life for future generations.

China's implementation of these protective measures reflects a profound awareness of its social and environmental responsibilities. This journey has illuminated the importance of fish for river ecosystems and the reasons behind active participation in these conservation efforts. Fish releases in the rivers of both Brazil and China offer social and economic benefits, and above all, a significant contribution to ecological wellbeing.

In a world where environmental challenges often dominate headlines, it is heartening to witness these silent guardians of our rivers—dedicated individuals and organizations—working tirelessly to ensure a healthier, more sustainable planet for generations to come. BR

The author is an editorial consultant for China Hoje magazine

Copyedited by G.P. Wilson

Comments to yanwei@cicgamericas.com

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