Key practical points:
• Commercial fishing requires a fishing licence specifying gear, areas, and permitted catch.
• Aquaculture in public waters needs a permit to use the water surface.
• Closed seasons and closed areas protect spawning periods, and destructive methods such as explosives, poisons, and electro-fishing are banned.
• Net mesh sizes are regulated to protect juveniles, and minimum catch sizes are set.
• Fishing in international or other states' waters is subject to extra approvals and agreements.
• Violations bring confiscation of catch and gear, fines, licence revocation, and possibly criminal liability.
🏢 Company setup
Fisheries Law · Yalla China
中华人民共和国渔业法 / Fisheries Law of the People's Republic of China
Enacted: 1986-01-20 ✅ Effective: 2013-12-28
📝 Overview
A law governing aquaculture, fishing, and protection of fishery resources. It uses a licensing and quota system, closed areas, and closed seasons to keep fish stocks sustainable.
This is general information only, not legal advice. For your specific case, consult a licensed lawyer.
📜 The law text / key provisions
💬 Practical reading
💬 This is a general reading/opinion for orientation — not the official legal text nor legal advice.
If you trade or export seafood, make sure suppliers hold valid fishing or aquaculture licences, since illegal catch can be confiscated. Watch the seasonal closures. This is general orientation, not legal advice.
📎 Official source
npc.gov.cn
🕒 Updated: 16 March 2026