Xifeng releases fish to rejuvenate reservoir ecosystem

The 2025 Fish Stock Enhancement and Release Program in Xifeng county was recently launched at Datang Wharf in the Wujiang Reservoir.

Officials and volunteers release carp in Wujiang Reservoir. [Photo/xifeng.gov.cn]

Centered on the theme of "Restoring Aquatic Ecosystems and Protecting Tributaries of the Yangtze River", the event aims to strengthen ecological restoration through the scientific release of native fish species, injecting new vitality into the local aquatic environment.

This batch of fish fry is 8.5 to 10 centimeters in length. [Photo/xifeng.gov.cn]

In October, water temperatures in the Wujiang Reservoir remain stable between 18 and 22 C, the optimal range for fish feeding and growth.

Xiong Wei, an official of the Xifeng bureau of agriculture and rural affairs, introduced that more than 210,000 healthy procypris rabaudi, a native species of the Wujiang River Basin, were selected for release due to their strong ecological adaptability. This species integrates well with the existing aquatic ecosystem, helping maintain balance while avoiding the risks associated with introducing non-native species.

Since launching its first fish release program in 2010, Xifeng county has continuously promoted aquatic biodiversity protection, releasing over 8.3 million fish fry, including silver carp, bighead carp, and grass carp, over the course of 10 large-scale releases.

Now, the Xifeng section of Wujiang Reservoir has seen significant improvement in water quality and a gradual recovery of aquatic biodiversity, with fish populations once depleted by overfishing steadily rebounding.