China will launch a large campaign to crack down on illegal hunting, killing, purchasing, selling, importing and exporting aquatic wild animals, Chinese fishery authorities said on Wednesday.

The campaign will focus on illegal hunting and the trading of rare and endangered aquatic wild animals including the Chinese sturgeon, giant salamander and sea turtle, said officials from the Fishery Bureau under the Ministry of Agriculture.

China will ban any activities that utilize aquatic wild animals under state protection, and any activities that may pose harm to the animals, except for scientific research approved by the government.

Meanwhile, government departments will carry out a thorough investigation into units with approval to raise, exhibit, process and utilize aquatic wild animals, while those engaged in such business without government approval will be severely punished.

The government will for the time being stop issuing certificates for hunting, breeding, transporting and utilizing aquatic wild animals, said the officials.

(Xinhua News Agency June 25, 2003)