Plight of marine animals under the spotlight during special month

People across the country can enjoy various activities related to aquatic wildlife protection and learn more about aquatic animals in the following month as national aquatic wildlife protection and science popularization month kicked off at the weekend.

During the month, initiated by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, more than 200 events will take place nationwide, bringing education around aquatic animals to residential communities, schools, fishing areas and scenic areas. 

Organizations like aquariums, reserves and animal rescue centers will spread the idea of aquatic animal protection to the public, especially to youth, through visits, science education lectures and games.

Meanwhile, a series of environmental protection practices aimed at reducing the use of plastics will also be promoted. Every year 80 percent of marine pollution comes from land, 60 percent of which is plastic waste, which can kill marine animals. The campaign asks people to use recycled bags instead of plastic ones, and encourages the public to pick up waste when visiting beaches.

According to Wang Guozhong, deputy director of the Shanghai Agricultural Commission, aquatic wildlife is an important part of the water environment and a "barometer" which can directly reflect the condition of a water area's ecosystem. 

"Our works on aquatic wildlife protection still face challenges and some species are endangered," Li Yanliang, head of the National Aquatic Wildlife Conservation Association, told Shanghai Daily. "Many factors can lead to this, for example the building of bridges and dams, pollution and urban household waste, and over-fishing."

Li believes that if we can show these animals to the public and make them more familiar with their plight, people will care more.

At the opening ceremony of the special month, nearly 50 people across the country were awarded prizes for their efforts in aquatic wildlife protection.