Fishing boats set out to sea from Ningbo, Zhejiang province, on Sept 16, 2025. [Photo/IC]

Fishing activity resumed in the East China Sea at noon on Sept 16, ending the annual four-and-a-half-month summer moratorium.

In Zhoushan's Shengsi fishing port, local authorities said they will step up dynamic inspections and enforce group-based fishing and navigation management.

As restrictions lift, thousands of vessels have returned to sea, bringing fresh ribbonfish, pomfret, and small yellow croaker to market in large quantities.

Fishing boats set out to sea from Zhoushan, Zhejiang province, on Aug 5, 2025. [Photo/IC]

According to China's maritime authorities, over 4,000 vessels set sail from eastern coastal provinces, including Zhejiang, Shanghai, Fujian, and Jiangsu. To ensure safety, 81 patrol ships, 38 aircraft, and more than 700 law enforcement officers are monitoring key routes and high-risk waters.

The moratorium is intended to replenish fish stocks and support long-term sustainability. A partial lifting began Aug 5 for licensed vessels such as trawlers and cage-fishing boats. With full operations now resumed, seafood supplies are expected to increase significantly.