A Fisherwoman's Remarkable Transformation Along the Revived Yangtze River

A Fisherwoman’s Remarkable Transformation Along the Revived Yangtze River

For 24 years, Chen Lanxiang lived a life that revolved around the Yangtze River; it was more than a mere waterway for her. Known locally as San Jie, or "Third Sister," she navigated her existence aboard a modest fishing boat in Xuejiawa, located on the eastern bank of the river in Ma'anshan, Anhui province, Central China.

Married in 1995, life on the river was challenging, marked by extremes in weather. During the scorching summers and frigid winters, Chen would rise at ungodly hours, often as early as 1 or 2 am, to cast her nets into the dim waters. By 5 am, she was busy delivering her catch to market vendors. The rhythm of her days depended heavily on the whims of the weather, the river, and often, luck.

Over the years, however, the Yangtze’s ecological landscape began to shift drastically. What once was a thriving aquatic ecosystem became marred by pollution and overfishing. The riverside, where Chen and more than 200 other fishing families lived, was once a bustling hub of life but had devolved into a scene of illegal docks, shantytowns, waste piles, and polluting factories. As the clarity of the water diminished, the fish became fewer and smaller—a stark contrast to what was once a bountiful source of sustenance. "Sometimes there were hardly any left to catch," Chen lamented, explaining how tough it had become.

The situation became so dire that the Chinese government implemented a significant initiative in 2021: a ten-year fishing ban aimed at restoring the Yangtze’s ecosystem. This pivotal move was designed not only to encourage the growth of fish populations and wildlife diversity but also provided resettlement and employment support for fishermen like Chen.

In May 2019, Anhui province took steps toward the future by launching a program to resettle fishermen. Though the decision was daunting, it became evident that a fresh start was necessary. "Leaving the river was one of the hardest decisions I've ever made," Chen recalled, expressing her worries about life on land, where they lacked skills and knew little of how to survive.

Initially, her husband resisted the resettlement agreement. After numerous visits from local officials, who outlined the various support available, they both eventually decided to embrace the change. The government promised jobs, schooling for their children, and pensions to provide a safety net during the transition. Chen pointed out that retired fishermen could receive monthly pensions ranging from 530 to 590 yuan (approximately $75 to $85), easing their fears about the future.

Making the leap was transformative. The family left their fishing boat behind for a new apartment, offering them comfort and amenities they'd long been denied. "My life has changed dramatically since settling ashore," she stated joyfully. Daily routines now included working regular hours from 8 am to 5 pm, followed by strolls in the evening or participating in community dances—activities she never imagined enjoying.

Even more empowering was Chen’s venture into entrepreneurship. With government support, she founded the “San Guniang” (Third Sister) Labor Service Company, currently managed by her. This company, dedicated to market cleaning, road sanitation, and landscaping maintenance, has not only provided stable employment for many former fishermen but has also distributed substantial dividends—totaling 900,000 yuan ($133,000)—to its members.

Reflecting on her journey, Chen acknowledged the challenges she faced initially. "At first, I felt lost, but gradually, our lives have steadily improved. I even bought my own apartment and built a real home. Now, I feel optimistic about the future," she said proudly.

Parallel to her personal narrative, the Yangtze River itself has undergone a miraculous resurgence. Chen's region of the river now meets Class II water quality standards. The shores of Xuejiawa, once tainted by pollution, have transformed into a scenic ecological park, drawing tourists who marvel at the revitalized landscape.

As part of her new role, Chen also champions river protection within the community. As president of the Yushan Branch of the Ma'anshan Civilian Enterprise River Chief Federation, she collaborates with other former fishermen to preserve the Yangtze’s health and uphold the fishing ban. "We fishermen have depended on this river for generations," she emphasized. "Our emotional connection has never diminished. It's our responsibility to protect our mother river."

Looking toward the future, Chen expressed hopes that the younger generations will cherish the river's recovery and utilize its resources responsibly when the fishing ban ends in 2031. "When the time comes, I hope our children can fish again, guided by scientific management and governmental oversight. That will be the best possible future for the Yangtze and the people who rely on it," she concluded warmly.