Challenges and Responses in the Livelihood Transition of Fishermen Affected by the Yangtze River Fishing Ban

The introduction of the Anthropocene concept reflects humanity's reflection on the accelerated destruction of Earth by human forces. Using fisheries as a case study, the depletion of fish resources and decline in species diversity can be attributed to the combined effects of modernization, marketization, technological innovation, and changing consumption patterns. Within China's modernization journey, the vision of “modernization featuring harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature” emphasizes restorative ecological justice. However, the resource-utilization demands of retired fishermen clash with this approach, trapping livelihood transitions in a stagnant threshold, the foremost challenge in implementing fishing bans. The principle that “the environment is the people's livelihood” can rebuild aquatic ecosystems' regenerative capacity and drive regenerative development in fishing communities. Therefore, guiding fishermen's demands to align with national will during the transition from resource exploitation to ecological restoration is pivotal for achieving both ecological renewal and livelihood transformation. This framework underscores our steadfast dedication to green development while embodying China’s proactive engagement and global accountability in rethinking the Anthropocene.