"The fishing boats in the village were dismantled for recycling at the beginning of last year. After the fishing ban, there has been significantly more larger fish seen in the river. We withdrew to let the Yangtze River take a rest for the benefit of future generations. The government has also helped the fishermen to switch to production and industry jobs to protect us in our retirement. It kills two birds with one stone," says Lu Jiaren, a retired fisherman from Baishuigang village, Zhicheng town, Yidu city, Hubei province.

Only by providing new livelihoods onshore will it be possible to ensure that the fishermen can live stable, prosperous lives and guarantee that they will not return to the rivers and lakes.