The China Coast Guard (CCG) holds a maritime law enforcement press briefing in Beijing, January 26, 2025.

"The China Coast Guard (CCG) has increased efforts to combat illegal fishing and poaching of endangered species, especially in the South China Sea, with over 500 vessels detained for various violations throughout the year, 1,700 foreign ships engaged in illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing have been identified and expelled, 15 vessels have been confiscated, and a foreign fishing vessel suspected of using electric fishing was intercepted," Liu Dejun, a spokesperson of the CCG, said at a maritime law enforcement press briefing held in Beijing on Sunday. 

Liu further noted that a foreign fishing vessel was caught poaching coral, with over 1,200 live coral specimens and large quantities of Tridacna shells seized.

In response to recent foreign media speculations over the "South China Sea ecological environment," Liu said that the CCG regards protecting the marine ecological environment and building a beautiful ocean as its mission, strengthens patrol and control over key maritime areas, critical periods, and important targets.

Liu also noted that every year, the CCG collaborates with with departments such as the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs and the Ministry of Ecology and Environment to carry out special law enforcement actions under the "Blue Sea" initiative for marine ecological protection and resource development, and special law enforcement operations for the marine seasonal moratorium on fishing, and cracks down on illegal fishing, illegal waste disposal, and hunting of precious and endangered species.

"In the next step, the CCG will continue to intensify its efforts to protect the marine ecological environment, strengthen patrol law enforcement in key areas, improve aerial inspections, promote the application of satellite remote sensing so to promptly detect and address illegal activities that damage marine resources and the marine ecological environment, and to contribute the construction of a beautiful ocean," Liu added.

（Source: CGTN）