Winter birds on China's biggest freshwater lake protected
( 2003-12-21 15:57) (Xinhua)
Birds that winter over in Poyang Lake wetlands will be protected from next
year by a regulation by Jiangxi Province.
Taking effect on Jan.1, 2004, the regulation forbids hunting and fishing at
Poyang Lake, China's largest freshwater lake, from October to March.
Illegal fishing will incur a fine of 500 to 1,000 yuan (61 to 122 US dollars)
and the seizure of fishing equipment and earnings. Hunters illegally killing or
trapping migratory and rare birds will be prosecuted, according to the
regulation.
Covering 5,000 sq. km in the middle and lower reaches of China' s longest
river, the Yangtze, Poyang Lake wetlands is listed as one of the most important
wetlands in the world.
The Poyang Lake has rich varieties of fish and shrimps and does not freeze in
winter, attracting over 300 kinds of bird each year, including 95 percent of the
world's white cranes.
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