Chongming Maritime Launches Special Escort Operation for the 2026 East China Sea "Fishing Opening"

On September 16, the seasonal fishing ban in the East China Sea was fully lifted, officially marking the start of the annual "Fishing Opening." As the core channel for fishing vessels entering and exiting Shanghai Port, the waters of Chongming North Port, Hengsha Channel, and the northern branch of the Yangtze River have entered a "boom period" for commercial and fishing vessel traffic. These waters feature complex navigation routes, with frequent encounters between commercial and fishing vessels, increasing the risk of collisions. To ensure "dual safety" for fishery production and waterway traffic, Chongming Maritime Bureau, in collaboration with the Shanghai Municipal Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee Enforcement Team, launched a joint patrol and enforcement operation, establishing a comprehensive regulatory framework and precise services to strengthen the safety barrier for waterway traffic.

Faced with the complex and severe navigation safety situation, Chongming Maritime Bureau strictly implemented the work deployment of Shanghai Maritime Bureau, relying on the operational mechanism of the Chongming Hengsha Commercial-Fishing Joint Management Center. A patrol plan was formulated a week in advance and submitted on time, with strategies of "zonal control, coordinated response, and precise warning" clearly defined. Two control lines were set up at the entrances of Chongming North Port and the northern branch, integrating three patrol boats, two professional rescue vessels, and one drone. "Marine Patrol 0107" was designated to station in the North Port waters, forming a three-dimensional regulatory team of "surface patrol + aerial surveillance + electronic monitoring," achieving full coverage of key waters. Early coordination with meteorological departments ensured dynamic tracking of fishing vessel departures and weather and hydrological conditions, scientifically delineating concentrated fishing areas and recommended routes. During patrols, Chongming Maritime Bureau adopted a "dynamic patrol + stationed monitoring" approach, setting up temporary control points at key nodes such as the North Port and northern branch entrances during the morning peak of fishing vessel departures. Relying on the two control lines, real-time monitoring of vessel traffic was conducted, and collision prevention reminders were issued to each vessel crossing the control lines. Maritime enforcement personnel distributed promotional materials and the "Coastal Public Navigation Guide" to departing vessels, explaining clauses on route avoidance and signal transmission. Safety reminders for fishing operations were added to the original inspection content, urging the implementation of safety responsibilities.

In terms of information-based regulation, Chongming Maritime Bureau utilized the "Smart Maritime" platform and CCTV system to implement "one-on-one" trajectory tracking for departing fishing vessels. Commercial vessel dynamics and meteorological information were broadcast via VHF every 30 minutes, with over 80 safety reminders issued cumulatively. For five fishing vessels at risk of deviating from their routes, the Hengsha Maritime Patrol Enforcement Team conducted point-to-point calls and inspections, promptly correcting their navigation posture. The northern branch Maritime Patrol Enforcement Team carried out high-frequency patrols using "patrol boats + drones," focusing on clearing obstructive fishing nets and gear, intercepting and persuading fishing vessels illegally setting nets, and ensuring the safe passage of trial vessels.

This operation simultaneously launched a joint duty mechanism, with maritime and fishery enforcement personnel working together in shared offices, enabling real-time sharing of commercial vessel navigation plans and fishing vessel operation area information. Nighttime anchored fishing vessels were managed with "light identification," forming a collaborative governance framework of "maritime managing navigation and fishery managing fisheries."

Next, Chongming Maritime Bureau will continue to deepen the "commercial-fishing co-governance" mechanism, intensify patrols during key periods, and strengthen guidance during peak return times, ensuring fishermen "set sail with peace of mind and return safely." With a "constant sense of responsibility," the bureau will focus on critical aspects of collision prevention between commercial and fishing vessels, effectively maintaining stable navigation order in the jurisdiction's waters.