Zhongshan has entered the fishing ban period on March 1 this year. This is the most leisureful time of the year for fishermen. During this period, they will cook and do farm work, repair nets and boats to wait for the fishing season, or engage in temporary jobs nearby to earn money to support their families.

"A total of 518 fishermen in Zhongshan were affected by the fishing ban period this year." According to the staff of the Zhongshan Bureau of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, in recent years, there have been fewer and fewer fishermen making a living just by fishing. Many of them will work as a temporary laborer during the fishing ban period. Some may even seek a new career.

Liang Zhenchang, a fisherman from Zhongnan Village, Gangkou Town, and his wife park their fishing boat in the center of the river.

Liang Zhenchang inspects electrical appliances in the cabin.

Liang Zhenchang and his wife do farm work.

A fisherman sorts out fishing nets and other fishing gear.

Wu Jinqiang, a fisherman from Shenxi Village, Shenwan Town, familiarizes himself with the control system of the new fishing boat.

Wang Huiliang, a fisherman from Shenxi Village, Shenwan Town, drives a transport vehicle.

Chen Huagui, captain of the fishing team in Shenxi Village, Shenwan Town, takes care of his granddaughter at home.

Ye Rongdai, a fisherman from Shenxi Village, Shenwan Town, takes a look at his fishing boat before the fishing ban period begins. [Photo by Yu Zhaoyu]