The annual fishing ban on China's rivers from March 1 to June 30 began on Thursday. The ban covers the main streams, tributaries and lakes along the Yangtze, Huaihe, Minjiang and Pearl rivers.

Nearly 10,000 people and 1,000 vessels from 21 provincial regions will work to prevent illegal fishing and related activities during the moratorium.

Local governments will provide compensation to fishermen who are adversely affected by the ban.