Fishing License in China: Procedures and Approved Zones

Published on September 30, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Obtaining a fishing permit in China can be complex for both foreign and local anglers due to strict regulations governing fishery resource management.

In this article, we will explore the essential steps to obtain this valuable authorization, focusing on required documents, relevant government institutions, and permitted fishing zones.

As sustainable fishing becomes a global priority, China’s fishing zone management represents a crucial aspect for preserving aquatic ecosystems and maintaining this ancestral activity.

Detailed Regulations for Obtaining a Fishing Permit in China

In China, fishing permit acquisition is strictly governed by national and local regulations designed to control fishing activities and protect aquatic resources.

Authorities Responsible for Permit Issuance:

• Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (national level)
• Provincial or municipal fisheries bureaus
• Specialized agencies for commercial or recreational fishing depending on sector

Eligibility Criteria and Requirements:

• Be a legal adult individual or registered legal entity in China
• Demonstrate basic knowledge of local fishing regulations
• Commit to respecting quotas, minimum sizes, prohibited zones, and closed seasons set by national or regional regulations
• Possess equipment meeting environmental standards (excluding prohibited gear)

Required Application Documents:

• Completed official form (in Chinese)
• Valid identification (national ID for citizens, passport + appropriate visa for foreigners)
• Proof of local residence or business registration certificate for companies
• Recent applicant photographs

For Certain Professional Categories:

• Medical certificate confirming physical fitness for boat fishing
• Copy of maritime registry for sea activities

Associated Fees:

Permit Type	Approximate Amount
Individual recreational permit	50–200 RMB/year
Professional permit	500–2,000 RMB/year
Collective boat permit	Varies by tonnage

Additional fees may apply for late renewal or file modifications.

Average Processing Times:

Typically between 5 business days and one month, depending on administrative level and permit type.

Seasonal and Species-Specific Restrictions:

Non-exhaustive list

• Annual closures for certain migratory species (e.g., silver carp) during reproductive periods – typically April to June in Yangtze riverine provinces
• Total prohibition in ecologically sensitive areas or nature reserves year-round
• Individual quotas for carnivorous fish/protected species

Legal Consequences for Unlicensed Fishing:

Administrative fines up to 10,000 RMB, immediate confiscation of illegal equipment, potential catch destruction.

For Repeat Offenses/Organized Crime

Criminal prosecution with imprisonment risk up to three years.

Aquatic Resource Protection Measures:

• Enhanced monitoring in sensitive areas through riverine/marine patrols
• Systematic implementation of digital identifiers tracking each catch/export batch
• Active promotion of sustainable techniques among professionals & amateurs
• Temporary/seasonal bans adapted to local biological cycles

Chinese legislation regularly evolves to “ensure sustainable fish growth and reproduction while preventing all forms of aquatic pollution in concerned areas.”

Authorized Fishing Zones Across China’s Regions

Authorized Fishing Zones and Regional Regulations in China

Region	Main Fishing Zones	Specific Local Regulations	Authorization Periods / Restrictions
Guangdong	Coastal waters, Pearl River Delta, South China Sea	Seasonal moratorium (complete ban), species quotas, gear quantity and engine power limitations	Moratorium generally May 1 to mid-August or early September depending on species; enhanced restrictions in delta
Zhejiang	East Coast, Qiantang Estuary, East China Sea	Seasonal closure similar to Guangdong; increased industrial trawler bans; electronic monitoring for certain vessels	Moratorium May 1 to mid-September by activity type (artisanal vs industrial fishing)
Fujian	Southeast Coast, near Taiwan	Strict regulation against illegal overfishing; enhanced individual permit controls; moratoriums aligned with Zhejiang	Closure between May and August/September
Lake Tai (Taihu)	Large inland lake near Yangtze Delta	Progressive ban since 2019 to preserve ecosystem; very few permits issued except for scientific research	Commercial fishing almost entirely prohibited year-round
Yangtze River	Major river crossing multiple provinces	Since January 2021: ten-year moratorium prohibiting commercial fishing throughout main basin	Total ban until 2030 (exceptions for research/science)

Detailed Regional List:

Coastal Regions

• Guangdong:
  • Permits mainly granted to locally registered boats
  • Strict limitations during summer moratorium to protect fish reproductive cycles
  • Enhanced monitoring via onboard electronic systems
• Zhejiang:
  • Annual species quotas imposed on permit holders
  • Frequent port inspections to ensure technical standard compliance (minimum catch sizes)
• Fujian:
  • Systematic enforcement against unreported/unregulated fishing
  • Enhanced cross-border cooperation due to proximity to Taiwan

Inland Waters

• Lake Tai:
  • Recreational fishing strictly limited to marked zones. Commercial activity nearly nonexistent
• Yangtze River:
  • Only handful of special permits issued for scientific or heritage purposes

Underlying Ecological or Economic Reasons:

• Preservation and restoration of depleted fish stocks after decades of intensive overfishing
• Critical protection during key periods like reproduction or migration to ensure sufficient renewal of local fish populations (summer moratoriums, decade-long bans)
• Combating ecological impoverishment: drastic reductions observed in some coastal habitats requiring temporary restriction or prohibition of professional fishing activity

Concrete Examples Illustrating Regional Differences:

In Zhejiang/Fujian, all drift net types are prohibited during moratorium periods, while in Guangdong only partial use may be tolerated outside sensitive periods under strict quota.

On the Yangtze River – unlike Lake Tai where some permits still exist occasionally – no professional licenses are granted before complete expiration of the ten-year moratorium.

Available Government Resources:

Regularly consult provincial official portals (“Provincial/Municipal Fisheries Management Bureaus”) and the national “Chinese Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs” website for updated complete texts regarding specific periods, concerned species, and administrative procedures related to permit renewal/issuance/possible withdrawal.

Monthly bulletins published locally also inform about all urgent modifications decided following observed ecological developments.

Guide for Expatriate Anglers in China

To obtain a fishing permit in China as an expatriate, you must follow a specific administrative procedure with relevant local authorities.

Generally Required Documents:

• Valid passport
• Current visa or residence permit
• Completed official application form
• Recent color ID photo (33×48 mm, white background)
• Proof of address or local property lease
• Justification of purpose (recreational, professional)
• Work permit if applicable

Permit Associated Costs:

Fees vary by province and water type (inland or coastal). As reference, costs typically range between 100 RMB and 500 RMB for standard annual permits.

Typical Timeframes:

Average permit acquisition time generally ranges between 5 and 15 business days, depending on region and period.

Authorized Zones Summary Table:

Zone Type	Expatriate Access	Main Particularities
Inland waters	Yes	Rivers, public lakes. Some protected zones require special authorization
Coastal waters	Yes	Maritime areas defined by local authorities; frequent restrictions on fish species

Fishing Regulations and Rules to Observe:

• Strictly observe official seasons: certain periods are closed to fishing to preserve stocks
• Protected species restrictions: total bans or very limited quotas for certain varieties (sturgeon, sea turtles…)
• Daily/personal quotas: maximum individual catch numbers per day by species
• Regulated equipment: illegal nets prohibited; limited to approved rods in certain areas

Practical Tips to Facilitate Procedures:

• Prepare all original documents with certified translations if necessary
• Regularly consult the official national website dedicated to Chinese immigration (www.nia.gov.cn) and local natural resources ministry sites
• Contact local offices directly via national hotline (12367) for personalized advice and specific hours
• Approach municipal “Entry-Exit” bureaus which also handle this type of foreign administrative cases

Useful Addresses:

Municipal “Entry-Exit” bureau present in each major Chinese city: information available on local government portals under “Services”.

For any specific questions regarding your status or particular regional conditions: prioritize direct contact with these administrative offices before visiting any concerned zone.

Tips and Tricks for Legal Fishing in China

To ensure legal fishing in China, it’s crucial to respect national and local regulations, which can vary significantly by province and geographic area.

• Verifying Local Regulations: Each province has its own guidelines regarding fishing periods, authorized species, and permitted methods. Essential to regularly consult provincial official sites or directly contact local fisheries bureaus for updated information
• Legal Fishing Seasons: China imposes strict closed seasons to protect aquatic wildlife. For example, in regions like the East China Sea or Yangtze, fishing is generally prohibited from spring to summer (May to August), but dates may vary by water type (fresh or marine) and province. Always verify the official calendar published by local administration before any outing
• Methods for Staying Informed About Regulatory Updates:
  • Regularly consult the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA) website where official notices and violation penalties are published
  • Subscribe to municipal or provincial bulletins related to fisheries management
  • Seek advice from approved local associations
• Recognizing Authorized Zones:
  • Legal zones are often marked by official signage: signs with fish pictograms accompanied by Authorized Zone or Protected Area text
  • Watch for ground markings near banks indicating “Temporary Prohibition” during certain seasons
  • Frequent presence of information posts displaying schedules, concerned species, and local responsible party contacts

Practical Checklist to Avoid Fines and Prosecution

• Scrupulously follow all on-site official indications
• Always carry permit/license if required
• Avoid all activity in zones not explicitly marked as “authorized”
• Research before each outing as some water bodies change status seasonally

Environmental Respect

It is imperative

• To never discard waste or used equipment in water
• To avoid excessive harvesting endangering local populations
• To immediately release any protected species caught accidentally

Summary Table – Useful Resources

Resource	Main Usefulness	Contact/Access
Provincial Bureau	Specific local regulations	Municipal administration/fisheries
MARA Website	National official notices & violations	Internet search
Local Associations	Practical advice & legal support	Local offices / specialized forums
Official Signage	Quick authorized zone identification	On-site (signs/pictograms)

For more detailed information on current legislation:

• The provincial/local dedicated fisheries bureau
• Chinese specialized aquatic protection associations
• The competent Chinese ministry via their official web portal

By following these practical recommendations, you maximize chances of practicing your passion legally while sustainably preserving China’s aquatic environment.