By raising internal standards and managing its own resources, the Asian giant sends a signal of alignment with global ocean preservation and biomass control goals. With this reform, the Chinese government is attempting to move beyond the era of unregulated fishing from the late 20th century to pave the way for a technified management that ensures long-term protein supply without depleting its natural reserves. The new regulation seeks to balance commercial exploitation with much stricter state oversight and environmental sustainability criteria. The reform, which will take effect on May 1, 2026, represents the first major legislative redesign of the sector in nearly 40 years, shifting from a massive extraction model to one that Beijing calls 'high-quality development', reported by Agencia Noticias Argentinas. Axes of change. The new law not only limits itself to open-water fishing but also places an unprecedented focus on aquaculture and genetic preservation: Scientific aquaculture: The State will encourage the use of waters and tidal flats through practices that save resources and minimize environmental impact. It is sought that organizations and individuals professionalize the cultivation of species under certified quality standards. Resource shield: The regulation absolutely prohibits fishing in restricted areas and establishes a framework for the collection and preservation of aquatic genetic resources, an asset that China considers vital for its future food security. Reinforced oversight: Supervision and control mechanisms are tightened, granting authorities greater powers to control exploitation and prevent marine ecosystem degradation. Global and local impact. The update of this law is closely followed by international markets, as China has one of the world's largest fishing fleets. Buenos Aires, December 28 (NA) – In a strategic move to reorganize one of the most relevant productive sectors of its economy, the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China approved a comprehensive amendment to the Fishing Law, in force since 1986.
