The Center for Protection of Aquatic Wild Animals in Yangtze River has been established in Tongling City, east China's Anhui Province.

The center is responsible for the protection of rare species of aquatic animals and banning excessive fishing in the river, according to the State Environmental Protection Administration of China. The species under its protection include white-flag dolphin, finless porpoise, Myxocyprinus asiaticus and Chinese sturgeons.

Rare aquatic animals in the river face more threats as the water quality and environment worsen. According to statistics, the number of white-flag dolphins fell to about 200 in 1990s from more than 400 in 1982. The number of finless porpoises shrank to current 1,700, from 2,700 in 1990s.

The center is also obliged to accept and cure injured animals that are on the list of major protected species, according to the administration.

(Xinhua News Agency September 16, 2004)