Over 8,000 Fujian fishing vessels set sail as season starts
Lianjiang county's fishing vessels set sail on Aug 16 in Fuzhou, capital of Fujian. [Photo/VCG]
The 2025 Fujian Fishing Season kicked off in Dongshan county, Zhangzhou city in East China's Fujian province, marking the end of a three-and-a-half-month summer fishing moratorium.
Most of Fujian's coastal waters reopened to fishing and ports in Fuzhou, Xiamen, Quanzhou, Putian, Ningde and Pingtan cities simultaneously started fishing activities.
With high hopes for a bumper haul, around 8,200 fishing vessels across the province sounded their horns and set off, embarking on a new marine adventure.
In Xiamen, 724 fishing vessels departed from various points, while around 2,000 vessels from Quanzhou set sail from 24 ports, including Shishi, Jinjiang and Hui'an, ready to bring in a great catch.
At Huangqi national fishing port, fisherman Yao Yangxing made final preparations, inspecting his vessel and nets.
"We've stocked all the necessary supplies and hope to return with full holds," he said. A total of 657 vessels from Lianjiang county set sail, with the first catch expected back within a day.
In Aojiao village, Dongshan county, nearly 1,000 fishing vessels departed amid drumbeats and cheers as the 2025 Fujian Fishing Season cultural event was held.
Meanwhile, the village's seafood trade center displayed a range of seafood products, attracting keen interest.
Fishing communities have long observed traditions to pray for safety and abundance before voyages. As a major maritime province, Fujian's marine GDP reached 1.25 trillion yuan ($174.17 billion) in 2024, accounting for over 21 percent of its total GDP.