URUMQI — A four-month fishing ban has started in the natural waterways of Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, in an effort to protect the environment and preserve fish resources.

The fishing moratorium, which runs from April 1 to July 31, covers the all natural waterways in the region such as the Irtysh and Ili rivers, and Ulungur and Bosten lakes.

According to Su Dexue, deputy head of the regional aquatic products bureau, around-the-clock patrols will be arranged at these areas, and other measures such as information hotlines and public education will also be set up to ensure the smooth implementation of the ban and protect fish during the breeding season.

During the moratorium, fishing of designated species which can only be caught during this period will still be allowed.

Xinjiang has over 3,400 rivers, with a basin area of over 50 square km each, and 140 lakes, each covering a basin area of over one square km.

The region imposed its first fishing ban in 2017.