A senior official with the Ministry of Agriculture says China will try its best to prevent overfishing while ensuring the steady development of the fishing industry and safeguarding fishermen's livelihoods.

Liu Zheng, deputy director of the Ministry's Department of Fisheries, says China will impose strict controls on the number of fishing boats as well as standardize the operation of the boats, by granting fishing licenses.

He also underlines the importance of keeping non-fishing periods and constantly releasing fish eggs to guarantee the sustainable development of the fishing industry.

China boasts the largest number of fishing boats and fishermen in the world.

(CRI January 4, 2005)