Ussuri River Autumn Fishing Resumes After Ban
The 20-day seasonal prohibition on commercial fishing has concluded on the China-Russia border.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Fishing
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The Ussuri River, which marks the border between China and Russia, has reopened to commercial fishing following a 20-day autumn ban. Operations officially resumed Wednesday morning as local boats returned to the water.
Why it matters
The seasonal pause is part of a joint effort between China and Russia to restore aquatic resources and protect biodiversity. It specifically shields chum salmon during their critical upstream migration to spawn.
A total of 139 fishing boats returned to the water at 5 a.m. following the 20-day closure. Only recreational angling was permitted throughout the duration of the ban.
The players
China
China is one of the two nations that jointly manages the fishing resources and border security along the Ussuri River.
Russia
Russia shares the Ussuri River border and partners with China to enforce environmental protections and fishing regulations.
The details
Under a joint management agreement, the Ussuri River undergoes phased fishing bans to manage the waterway's ecosystem. Following the midnight conclusion of the restrictions, vessels headed to designated waters to restart their final fishing period of the year.
Timeline
The 20-day fishing ban officially ended at midnight on October 20, 2026.
A total of 139 boats resumed fishing operations at 5 a.m. on October 21, 2026.
Culture Shift
The Ussuri River fishing regulations are defined by the China-Russia Ussuri River joint resource management agreement. This reopening follows the standard operational cycle established by that bilateral accord, which dictates seasonal pauses to ensure long-term sustainability.
For local fishers, the end of the ban signals the start of the final commercial window for the calendar year. Residents and stakeholders in the region can expect increased maritime traffic along the border as fleets return to designated waters.
The takeaway
Coordinated fishing bans serve as a vital tool for preserving migratory species like chum salmon in shared international waters. Adhering to these seasonal windows ensures that biodiversity remains stable for future harvest cycles.
Further reading
For more information on seasonal regulations and international fishing standards, visit the Fishing section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by China News 中国新闻网.
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Should governments impose strict seasonal bans to protect local biodiversity and aquatic resources?
