Jiushan Archipelago. [Photo/Ningbo Daily]

Jiushan Archipelago in Xiangshan county, Ningbo, has earned national recognition as an important wetland, cementing its status as a vital hub for coastal biodiversity and the conservation of rare species.

Located at the southern tip of the Zhoushan Archipelago, Jiushan spans 81.62 hectares, where nutrient-rich waters create ideal spawning grounds for species such as large yellow croaker and ribbonfish. The surrounding islands support dense, diverse vegetation that attracts numerous migratory birds for breeding and resting.

The wetland's protection priorities focus on coastal island ecosystems, endangered species, and valuable marine genetic resources. Local authorities have enhanced biodiversity through habitat restoration, population monitoring, species attraction initiatives, and stock enhancement programs.

Among the wetland's most significant residents is the Chinese crested tern, a nationally protected species. Once critically low, its breeding population has grown from just 19 individuals in 2013 to 109 in 2024, with 214 chicks hatched by this August. Conservation measures, including habitat management, nest protection, and monitoring, have transformed Jiushan Archipelago into the largest known breeding site for this species worldwide.

The bird conservation project has received top national recognition, including the National Wildlife Conservation Award and a place among China's Top Ten Waterbird Protection Cases, highlighting Jiushan Archipelago's critical role in global seabird conservation.