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 (US$61 to 122) 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.

(Xinhua News Agency December 21, 2003)