Hangzhou will issue a ban on fishing on the Qiantang River from March 1 to June 30, according to a notice recently released by the Zhejiang agricultural and rural affairs department. [Photo/ zj.zjol.com.cn]

Hangzhou will issue a ban on fishing on the Qiantang River from March 1 to June 30, according to a notice recently released by the Zhejiang agricultural and rural affairs department.

According to the notice, this year's fishing ban will be stricter than last year, with six more tributaries of the river being included in the ban. Previously, the ban was only applicable to the main major tributaries

The six additional tributaries flow through four counties and districts in Hangzhou - Xiaoshan, Tonglu, Fuyang and Lin'an.

Officials said that the stricter measures will better protect the fishing resources and ecological environment along the river.

According to the officials of the Hangzhou agricultural and rural affairs department, the ban is not only applicable to those fishing from boats, but also those along the banks of river. 

According to the provisions of the Fisheries Law of the People's Republic of China, anyone who violates the fishing ban will be fined up to 50,000 yuan ($7,127) and their illegal gains confiscated; depending on the severity of the violation, the offenders may have their fishing gear confiscated, fishing license suspended, or fishing boat confiscated. Those who commit crimes will be punished according to the law.

During last year's fishing ban, Hangzhou fishing departments filed 79 illegal fishing cases, confiscated six boats whose owners didn't have licenses, and issued fines worth more than 100,000 yuan. 26 fishers were involved in judicial cases and punished according to the law.

The Hangzhou fishery department called on Hangzhou residents to observe the law and report illegal practices to the authorities.