East China's Jiangxi Province started a three-month fishing ban Saturday on Poyang Lake, the country's largest freshwater lake.

The fishing ban aims to protect the ecological environment of Poyang Lake and to ensure the sustainable development of the local fishing industry, said Qian Xin'e, an official with the provincial fishing affairs administration.

Fish usually spawn in March, so the ban would protect them and help increase fish stocks, said Qian.

It is the third spring fishing ban imposed on the entire Poyang Lake since the spring of 2002. Last year's ban was a success as some species reappeared in the lake after years of absence and fishermen increased their incomes when fishing resumed in summer.

Since 1987, there has been a yearly fishing ban over parts of the 330,000-hectare Poyang Lake, which had suffered from over-fishing and pollution. Thanks to continued environmental protection efforts, it is now home to a wealth of aquatic species and migratory birds.

Meanwhile, the 152-km Jiangxi section of the Yangtze, China's longest river, would also impose a fishing ban from April 1 to June 30, Qian said.

The bans would affect nearly 100,000 fishermen in 18 cities and counties, according to Qian.

(Xinhua News Agency March 21, 2004)