Hainan Issues FTP Recreational Fisheries Promotion Regulations

The Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP) Recreational Fisheries Promotion Regulations were recently issued. The regulations require local governments at or above the county level to draw on local fishery and cultural resources, incorporate recreational fisheries into regional tourism planning, and promote closer integration between fisheries and tourism. In terms of operational safety management, fishing vessels and yachts engaged in recreational fisheries must be operated by enterprises. Yachts must be registered in accordance with the law and file their leasing operations with the authorities. Privately used yachts, fishing vessels, fishing auxiliary vessels, and aquaculture vessels are strictly prohibited from directly engaging in recreational fisheries operations. In addition, in response to public concern over angling, the regulations support commercial recreational angling on compliant vessels and offshore platforms, along island and reef shores and beaches, and in rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and ponds.