A fishing ban on the lower reaches of the Yangtze River is now in effect. The ban started Thursday and will continue through June in an attempt to protect breeding fish.

The affected section runs from central China's Hubei Province to Shanghai. Most fishermen in the area are in favor of the ban and have already stopped fishing. Local governments are considering measures to help the fishermen, including financial compensation. China first implemented a fishing ban on the river last year. Surveys have shown the ban is effective, greatly increasing the number of fish in the river.

(CCTV.com April 3, 2004)