Cleaning the river
Local governments have taken measures, including eliminating "black and odorous" water bodies and closing illegal sewage outlets along the river, to reduce water pollution. Many ex-fishermen are also making efforts to create a clean home for aquatic life.
Standing on the bow, Xiao Lyuying, 75, skillfully scooped up a plastic bottle with a fishing net while another boatman steered the boat.
Xiao, an ex-fisherman, is the deputy head of a volunteer team engaged in cleaning floating trash from the Yangtze. Organized in 2019, the team comprises more than 50 local ex-fishermen aged over 60, on average.
Every month, the team will patrol 15 km of waterway thrice, collecting trash and preventing people from fishing in the river.
"We have lived along the river since childhood and want to do our part to protect it while we are still alive," said Xiao from Qunxin Village in the city of Tongling, Anhui.
According to Xiao, many fishermen chose to join the voluntary team due to their attachment to the river.
"I have spent most of my life on boats. It's good to see my fishing skills can still be used in cleaning the garbage," said Ma Mingsuo, 60. "A clean home for aquatic life will also benefit the future generations."
"We will continue our efforts to protect the Yangtze River until we are too old to steer a boat. It's a career that deserves our time and energy," said Xiao.
