Currently researchers have made big ways in the artificial propagation of this rare species. Since 1984, the Chinese Sturgeon Research Institute has put 5 million sturgeon fries into the Yangtze River. (File Photo)
 
In recent years, China has focused more on the protection of fish species in the Yangtze River region, especially during the water- storing process of the Three Gorges Reservoir. After the construction plan of the Three Gorges Dam was put into practice, senior officials began to pay attention to the protection of the wild species living in the Three Gorges area.

China Three Gorges Corp. has invested 37 million yuan (US$ 4.6 million) in scientific research on Chinese sturgeon since the 1980s, and several research bases and nature reserves for Chinese sturgeon have been set up. Currently researchers have made big ways in the artificial propagation of this rare species. Since 1984, the Chinese Sturgeon Research Institute has put 5 million sturgeon fries into the Yangtze River.

Other fish species like Chinese hooksnout carp and mullet are also well protected. Local agricultural units have set up more than 40 nature reserves to protect different kinds of rare fish species.

However, fish species in the Three Gorges region still confront great difficulties in surviving. The on-going water-storing process of the Three Gorges Reservoir may affect rare species like black finless porpoise, Chinese paddle-fish, Yangtze sturgeon, Chinese sturgeon, and mullet. Chinese sturgeons have less and less water space to inhabit, and their total number has decreased from 3,000 to 300.

Experts have appealed to local governments to invest more money and set up more nature reserves for rare fish species.
 
Editor: Yan