Shanghai's water authority has recently published a list of water bodies designated for releasing fish in the city.

The list covers 31 water release zones, excluding the Suzhou Creek. Among them are three recommended release zones: the upper reach of the Huangpu River (west of Minpu Bridge), Dianshan Lake, and the Yangtze River Estuary (along the river beyond Wusongkou).

According to the city's water authority, fish should be released in areas with expansive water bodies, good water quality, and ample natural food sources.

Suzhou Creek is excluded from the list due to its primary function of flood control and drainage. With vertical flood walls lining both banks and an absence of nearshore wetlands, the ecosystem of Suzhou Creek cannot support fish survival, particularly for larger species.

Relevant authorities will monitor the 31 water release zones to determine their suitability as permanent sites for release activities, while additional locations will be explored to meet public demand.

Species suitable for release in Shanghai's public waters (excluding coastal areas) include: silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix), bighead carp (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis), topmouth culter (Culter Alburnus), common carp (Cyprinus carpio), crucian carp (Carassius carassius), smallscale yellowfin (Plagiognathops microlepis), yellow catfish (Tachysurus fulvidraco), and spotted steed (Hemibarbus maculatus), according to guidelines formulated by the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Agriculture and Rural Affairs.

It is recommended to release fish from March to June, during morning to midday hours when water oxygen levels are optimal.

The total weight of each release should not exceed 500 kilograms. All released fish must come from certified producers and pass inspections.

In Baoshan, Minhang, Jiading, Jinshan, Songjiang, Qingpu, Fengxian, and Chongming districts, organizers must consult the local commission of agriculture and rural affairs 15 days before the release. Elsewhere, the local bureau of urban management and law enforcement handles consultation and supervision.

It is noteworthy that the release of non-native, hybrid, or selectively bred species, as well as any aquatic species failing to meet ecological standards, is prohibited.

The following species are designated as key invasive species that must not be released: apple snail (Pomacea canaliculata), alligator gar (Atractosteus spatula), Amazon sailfin catfish (Pterygoplichthys pardalis), redbelly tilapia (Coptodon zillii), American bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus), alligator snapping turtle (Macrochelys temminckii), and red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta elegans).

Check the designated release water zones in the charts below. 

Source: Shanghai Observer