Buckets of fish are released into the sea on June 30, 2018 in Rudong county of Nantong. [Photo/rudong.gov.cn]

More than 15.6 million fish were released into the sea on June 30 in Rudong county of Nantong at the county’s 10th fish releasing festival.

The event was attended by representatives of marine-related companies, fishermen, and government officials including Pan Jianhua, secretary of the county Party committee and Chen Jianhua, chairman of the CPPCC Rudong County Committee.

Pan said that releasing fish can bring social benefits and that we should protect the marine resources while developing them to achieve the harmonious development of human beings and marine life, and balanced development of the economy and environment.

Pan also said that information gained from local artificial breeding of fish such as yellow croakers and black seabream led to enhanced cooperation between research institutions and marine and fishery government departments, optimizing fish population structure, improving the marine environment, protecting fishery resources and increasing fishermen’s income.

Initiated in 2009, the festival has been held for 10 years, with over 100 million fry released. It is one of the county’s efforts to improve water ecology and promote the sustainable development of marine economy.

In addition, the festival has helped raise public awareness of ocean protection and played a positive role in protecting local fishery resources. Statistics indicate that the fish species of the sea area in Rudong county enjoyed steady growth.