China's iconic finless porpoises – nicknamed 'smiling angels' for their permanent grins – are thriving again in the Yangtze River, with populations reaching levels not seen in decades. This ecological win comes five years into China's groundbreaking 10-year fishing ban implemented in 2021 to revive the vital waterway.
🌊 Why it matters: As a key indicator species, the porpoises' rebound signals healthier river ecosystems. Their numbers had plummeted due to overfishing and pollution before conservation efforts began.
"Seeing these playful mammals surface again feels like nature giving us a second chance," said a marine biologist working with CGTN's documentary team in Nanjing.
📈 By the numbers: While exact figures remain under study, researchers report the first sustained population growth since records began. The fishing ban removed over 110,000 vessels and created new livelihoods for 280,000 former fishers.
