Next Article in Journal
Diurnal Variation of Carbon Dioxide Concentration and Flux in a River–Lake Continuum of a Mega City
Previous Article in Journal
Landslide-Induced Wave Run-Up Prediction Based on Large-Scale Geotechnical Experiment: A Case Study of Wangjiashan Landslide Area of Baihetan Reservoir, China
 
 
Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
Journals
Water
Volume 17
Issue 3
10.3390/w17030305
water-logo
Submit to this Journal Review for this Journal Propose a Special Issue
► Article Menu

Article Menu

share Share announcement Help format_quote Cite question_answer Discuss in SciProfiles
first_page
settings
Order Article Reprints
Font Type:
Arial Georgia Verdana
Font Size:
Aa Aa Aa
Line Spacing:
Column Width:
Background:
Article

Exploring Illegal Trade and Management Strategies in Protected Aquatic Wildlife in Xiamen, China

by
Jia-Ying Liu
1,2,
Jia-Qiao Wang
1,2,
Yi-Jia Shih
3,
Cheng-Ye Wu
1,2 and
Ta-Jen Chu
1,2,*
1
Fisheries College, Jimei University, Jimei District, Xiamen 361021, China
2
Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Fishery Resources and Eco-Environment, Jimei University, Jimei District, Xiamen 361021, China
3
Sustainable Ocean Governance Centre, National Sun Yet-Sen University, Kaohsiung 80424, Taiwan
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Water 2025, 17(3), 305; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17030305
Submission received: 18 November 2024 / Revised: 6 January 2025 / Accepted: 19 January 2025 / Published: 22 January 2025
(This article belongs to the Section Oceans and Coastal Zones)
Browse Figure
Versions Notes

Abstract

:
In recent decades, illegal wildlife trade has become a global problem that threatens the conservation of many species. To promote sustainable animal trade, conservation plans must be developed and implemented locally. However, illegal trade in protected aquatic wildlife still occurs in many places. To understand the current situation of illegal sales, we conducted a sampling survey on eight sites in Xiamen for 5 consecutive years. The results show that illegal sales behavior is widespread, but there are changes. Notably, the proportion of stores with illegal sales fell from 17.7% in 2018 to 10.8% in 2022. We observed 24 species, 12 of which are listed in CITES. Among them, 15 species were recorded in annual surveys, accounting for 62.5% of the total species surveyed. Among the 24 species investigated, there were 8 living species. From 2018 to 2022, the number of food stalls selling protected species dropped the most, from 22.7% to 0%. Followed by dry goods stores, the number of stores selling protected species dropped from 24% to 8.3%. However, the number of craft shops selling protected species increased by 14.8%. It put forward protection suggestions such as focusing on cracking down on illegal sales and strengthening consumer publicity and education.

1. Introduction

The global wildlife trade supports the livelihoods of billions of people [1]. However, illegal wildlife trade is a global problem that threatens the conservation of many species of flora and fauna. In recent decades (1998–2018), approximately 421 million threatened wild animals were traded among 226 nations and territories [2]. Wildlife trade is one of the main causes of species loss [3] in the midst of a sixth mass extinction [4]. Wild animals are widely commodified [5] and subjected to unsustainable harvesting practices [6,7], leading to a decline in their global populations [8]. The impact of the wildlife trade on global biodiversity has motivated collaborative efforts for its curtailment. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) represents one of the most important multinational attempts to regulate the cross-border flow of threatened wildlife [2]. Although the CITES plays a major role in conserving threatened species [9,10], its efficacy depends on the willingness and ability of signatory states to enact trade controls [11]. This dependence on adherence and enforcement means that the protection afforded to threatened species may be inadequate in some parts of the world [12].
The marine area under China’s jurisdiction is approximately 3 million square kilometers, spanning tropical, subtropical, warm temperate, mid-temperate, and cold temperate zones from south to north. China has a continental coastline more than 18,000 km long, with more than 6500 offshore islands and an island coastline of over 14,000 km [13,14]. Over 20,000 species of aquatic animals exist in China, many of which are rare and endemic, such as Sousa chinensis [15,16], Neophocaena asiaeorientalis [17,18,19], Acipenser sinensis [20], and Andrias davidianus [21,22,23]. A total of 443 fish species inhabit the Yangtze River Basin, of which 95 endangered species are listed in the Red Book of Endangered Animals in China [24]. Additionally, 79 fish species in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River are threatened species; thus, the river ranks first among the major rivers that host threatened species in China [25,26,27]. During 2017–2021, an investigation of the fishery resources and environment of the Yangtze River found 323 species of fish [24]. Among these, 53 species were listed in the Red Book of Endangered Animals in China, 3 species were national first-class protected animals, and 17 species were national second-class protected animals [24].
The protection and rational use of aquatic wildlife resources are crucial for maintaining the ecological balance of aquatic environments, the integrity of aquatic ecosystems, biodiversity, the preservation of wildlife resources, and human survival and development [28] (http://www.iucnredlist.org/, accessed on 1 November 2024). The protection of aquatic wildlife in China began in the 1970s. In 1979, the Regulations on the Reproduction and Protection of Aquatic Resources [29] (http://faolex.fao.org/docs/pdf/chn179132.pdf, accessed on 1 November 2024) were promulgated to protect economically valuable aquatic animals, plants, and their habitats. The Fisheries Law of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) was promulgated in 1986, which stipulated that rare and endangered aquatic wild animals, such as the baiji dolphin (L. vexillifer), should be protected [30]. This was the first time that an “aquatic wild animal” was identified as a “precious and endangered aquatic wild animal”, which is managed separately from the economic species stipulated in the Fisheries Law [31]. In 1988, the Wildlife Protection Law of the PRC (https://eia-international.org/, accessed on 1 November 2024) (revised in 2004, 2009, 2016, and 2018) was enacted and implemented and proposed to comprehensively strengthen wildlife protection in China. The National Key Protected Wildlife List (NKPWL) [32] was promulgated in 1989, and the list has been revised several times. Among the aquatic wildlife species on the protected list, 48 species (classes) were included for the first time, including 13 species (classes) of first-class protected animals. In the 2021 edition of the NKPWL [32], the number of aquatic wildlife species was increased to 302 species (classes), including 46 species (classes) of first-class protected animals, and the number of protected species increased to 254 species (classes) [33]. Concurrently, the protection of aquatic wild animals was strengthened considerably. In addition to the NKPWL published by the state, each province can determine its Provincial-Level Key Protected Wildlife List within its jurisdiction based on its resource characteristics, status quo, and potential risks. In Fujian Province, as the List of Key Protected Wild Animals in Fujian Province (Aquatic Part) was published in 1993, a total of 11 species have been included in the key protection list, including 4 species of shellfish, 5 species of fish, 1 species of crustacean, and 1 other category [34].
Legislation is the primary means of protecting key wild animals, followed by effective law enforcement supervision, publicity, and education. Only through these means can the key protection measures of wildlife protection be implemented. In 1980, Xiamen was designated as one of five special economic zones [35]. To analyze the effectiveness of key wildlife conservation work over the past 30 years, we conducted a five-year follow-up survey. The city of Xiamen is located in the central part of the west coast of the Taiwan Strait and in the center of the Golden Triangle of southern Fujian. The area hosts nearly 2000 species of marine life, including the national key protected wild animals amphioxus, Chinese white dolphin, and stony coral, as well as Fujian provincial key protected wild animals such as scorpions and variegated abalone [36]. Xiamen was originally a fishing village, but is now a popular tourist city in China, with approximately 90 million visitors each year [37]. The city’s aquatic wildlife protection efforts are representative of that of China. Because wild animals or products made from them have edible, medicinal, and ornamental value, the market demand for these species is high. Therefore, some trading behaviors are related to these products: living giant salamanders and Chinese sturgeons are traded, as are the products of seahorses, corals, and nautilus [38,39]. Despite awareness of the increasing scale of biodiversity loss and the direct use of wild animals by humans being the second-greatest threat to global biodiversity, wildlife trade is not tightly controlled [40,41].
Implementation and knowledge gaps remain regarding strategies for the targeted conservation of aquatic wildlife to achieve sustainability. This gap is critical for promoting the sustainability of the conservation of each species, depending on the monitoring and observation of their resource levels. Here, we focused on the city of Xiamen and followed and investigated wildlife sales in the city for 5 consecutive years; analyzed the occurrence frequency of species and species distributions; and discussed the illegal sales of aquatic wild animals. We aimed to determine the reasons for illegal wildlife sales and developed recommendations to improve aquatic wildlife protection and provide a reference for management departments.

2. Materials and Methods

2.1. Study Design and Survey Site

Before the investigation, we visited the administrative department of key protected wild animals in Xiamen and relevant key protected wild animal sales locations, learned about the basic trade situation of key protected wild animals in Xiamen, and determined the field investigation site for this study.
We know from years of inspection experience of law enforcement agencies that there are illegal sales of aquatic wild protected animals in Xiamen. This phenomenon is mainly concentrated in the following types of stores, including handicraft stores, dry goods stores, food stalls, fish stalls, etc. Among them, some protected animals, such as Coralliidae spp., Tridacna gigas, and Cypraea tigris, are made into specimens or carved ornaments, necklaces, bracelets, etc., which mainly appear in handicraft stores. Dried seahorses mainly appear in dry goods stores. Andrias davidianus, Haliotis diversicolor, and Solen grandis are mainly found in food stalls or fish stalls. These shops are mainly concentrated in shops in tourist attractions. There are farmers markets where local consumers buy fresh produce.
Based on our preliminary survey, we selected the main aquatic wildlife survey sites, namely Kulangsu (KLS), Amoy YatSen Road (AYR), TsanTshùUann (TTU), Kah Kee Park (KKP), Xiaodeng Island (XDI), Number-eight Farm Market (NEM), Zhongpu-Gaoqi Wholesale Market (ZPM), and Jimei Farmers Market (JFM), for a total of 8 sites (Table 1). We divided these sites into two categories. The first category included tourist destinations, such as KLS, AYR, TTU, KKP, and XDI. Among these, KLS, AYR, and KKP are famous scenic locations in Xiamen, which are visited by tourists from all over the country. XDI and TTU are recreational angling villages. XDI is located in Xiang’an District and is dominated by local tourists. TTU is located in Siming District, which is an Internet-famous literary recreational angling village that is popular among tourists. The second category included places where citizens’ consumption was concentrated: NEM, ZPM, and JFM.

2.2. Survey Period and Process

The survey period ran from 2018 to 2022 and was conducted annually from June to July. For the main survey sites, the survey objects included shops or booths engaged in souvenir sales, jewelry stores, food stalls, dry goods stores, and wholesale or retail of aquatic products. These shops and vendors are basically open year-round. Depending on the number of tourists during time (holidays and normal times), seasons (winter, spring, summer, and autumn), or special events (such as sudden epidemics), they may sometimes open and sometimes not. Of the eight measurement points, both the attractions visited by tourists and the markets visited by local consumers belong to shopping streets. Therefore, we started the survey by visiting stores one by one from one end of the street to the other end of the street. The survey is not random sampling but observation and recording of almost all stores at the survey location. At the same time, we also took photos of suspected protected species and their products from the items on display. After returning to the laboratory, the state-issued Aquatic Wildlife Identification Manual was used for identification. We cannot observe some items that are not on display.
During the investigation, we also conducted interviews to obtain more information that is not easy to observe. Before the interview, we told the merchant that we were researchers from a university. The content of the interview included the operator asking whether the store sells items listed in the “List of Key Protected Wild Animals in Fujian Province” and “NKPWL” species and their products. We also asked the operators whether they knew that the products they sold were wild animals and their products were protected by the state.
From 2018 to 2022, we carried out the above-mentioned survey process every year. The epidemic period was also included in this research period. We recorded the type and number of stores at each site surveyed from 2018 to 2022, as well as the number of stores selling protected animals and their products, as shown in Appendix A. The survey items included aquatic wild animals and their products that were sold by the store according to the Fujian Provincial NKPWL and the aquatic animal species in the appendix of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. We checked for species on the list of wild animals under national key protection, the list of key protected wild animals in Fujian Province, and aquatic animal species in the appendix of the CITES that were valid in that year.

2.3. Data Source

To ensure the species accuracy of the surveyed subjects, we photographed species that we could not immediately identify and compared them with existing images or illustrations. As determining the exact species from specimens or products of protected animals, such as red coral jewelry and handicrafts, dried seahorses, stony corals, and Tridacna products, was difficult, we classified these as species (classes) of red corals, seahorses, stony corals, and Tridacons, respectively. When determining whether the specimen was an IUCN Red List species, we checked the data on the IUCN website. To determine whether a specimen was a CITES appendix species, we checked the appendix of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. Among them, Corallium elatius (China), Corallium japonicum (China), Corallium konjoi (China), and Corallium secundum (China) are listed in the CITES Convention. However, these species are first-class protected animals in China. In this study, we counted red coral and its products as one species (class).

3. Results

3.1. Observation of Key Protected Species

The occurrence of protected aquatic wildlife at eight sites in Xiamen from 2018 to 2022 is summarized in Table 2. We recorded 24 species (classes), of which 12 species were listed in CITES, and the species were approved as aquatic wild animals under grade I conservation and wild animals under grade II conservation in China.
Of the 24 identified species, 11 species and 2 classes were listed in the IUCN catalogue. Among the 11 species, 3 were critically endangered species, 3 were endangered species, 1 was a near-threatened species, and 4 were species of concern. Syngnathus spp. were of least concern or data deficient (classes). Additionally, we observed Hippocampus spp., but did not identify the species. Among Hippocampus, there were 2 endangered species, 10 vulnerable species, and 1 near-threatened species listed in the IUCN catalogue. Furthermore, among the 24 species, we found 8 live species and 16 specimens or their products.
We found three grade-I conservation species (classes): Corallium spp., Tridacna cookiana, and Nautilus pompilius. We found 16 grade II conservation species (classes): A. davidianus, Anguilla marmorata, Hippocampus spp., Eretmochelys imbricata, Chelonia mydas, Cypraea tigris, Cassis cornuta, Strombus gigas, Turbo marmoratus, Charonia tritonis, Tridacna squamosa, Hippopus hippopus, Scleractinia spp., Tubipora musica, Tachypleus tridentatus, and Panulirus ornatus. Moreover, we found seven species (classes) that are listed as local priorities for conservation in Fujian Province: Syngnathus spp., Haliotis diversicolor, T. tridentatus, P. ornatus, Panulirus homarus, Solen grandis, and Atrina pectinata.
Among them, T. tridentatus, Hippocampus spp., and P. ornatus were originally listed as local priorities for conservation at the provincial level in Fujian and were newly included in the new list of wild aquatic protected animals in 2021 as national second-level species. However, two species (classes), Hippocampus spp. and P. ornatus, were restricted to wild populations. C. tigris appeared 25 times during 2018–2022 (Figure 1). H. hippopus, E. imbricata and C. mydas were rare and were identified only once. Among the top five species, two are living, H. diversicolor and P. ornatus. These mainly appeared in the aquatic product trading market frequently visited by citizens at ZMP and JMM. Additionally, C. tigris, Scleractinia spp., and C. cornuta were mainly sold in the form of bones or shells after the death of the creatures and at sites with more tourists, such as KLS, AYR, TTU, KKP, and XDI.

3.2. Yearly Observations of Species

Table 3 shows the annual frequency of observations of each species from 2018 to 2022. Between 2021 and 2022, we noted no sales transactions for five previously observed species (C. mydas, A. davidianus, A. marmorata, E. imbricate, and A. gigas). This indicated a downward trend in the sales of these species over the last 2 years of the study. Table 3 shows 15 protected species observed in each study year during this survey. Among them, 15 species have been recorded in the annual survey, accounting for 62.5% of the total number of species surveyed. Among the 24 species investigated, there are 8 live species, accounting for 33.3% of the total number of species investigated. In 2021, we observed four previously unrecorded species, C. tritonis, T. squamosa, T. marmoratus, and H. hippopus. The government revised the list of national key protected aquatic wild animals in 2021, and these were newly added protected animals.

3.3. Observations of Species at Each Site

Table 4 summarizes the survey data for each site from 2018 to 2022. At four sites, KLS, TTU, KKP, and AYR, we frequently identified protected species. We observed the fewest species of protected animals at JFM, with no more than two species and no national-level protected animals. From 2018 to 2020, we found a downward trend in the number of observed protected species at all sites. However, from 2020 to 2022, we observed an upward trend at some sites. The observation frequency was the highest at KLS and the lowest at JFM.
The overall results from 2018 to 2022 showed a downward trend, and the emergence of COVID-19 in 2020 also led to a decline. Compared with 2020, the number of species observed rebounded in 2021, mainly because China implemented a revised list of national key protected animals in 2021. During the investigation, species that were not originally in the national key protected animal list became protected species due to the publication of the new list, such as T. squamosa and H. hippopus.
The sales of protected animals showed notable spatial characteristics and heterogeneity across the sites. KLS, KKP, TTU, and AYR receive large numbers of tourists, and we noted sales of food or handicraft products made from protected animals. Live animals were primarily sold in farmers’ markets, wholesale aquatic markets, and seafood stores. Therefore, species such as T. tridentatus, A. davidianus, and H. diversicolor were mainly traded live, whereas Hippocampus spp., C. cornuta, and Corallium spp. were mainly sold in the form of dried or processed products.

3.4. Analysis of the Types of Shops Selling Wild Aquatic Animals in Violation of Regulations

From 2018 to 2022, the number of food stalls selling protected species declined the most, from 22.7% to 0% (Table 5). This was followed by dry goods stores and fish stands, with the number of stores falling from 24% to 8.3% and from 9.2% to 5.6%, respectively. However, the handicraft shops increased from 47.3% to 62.1%. In the future, the management department in Xiamen should focus on cracking down on illegal sales of protected aquatic wild animals in handicraft shops, fish stalls, and aquatic product wholesale shops.

4. Discussion

4.1. Validity of Findings

In this study, we identified the trade of protected animals at eight sites, involving as many as 24 species. The results show that illegal sales practices are widespread. Illegal sales stores exist in all types of stores, with the proportion ranging from 10.8% to 17.7%. Overall, the proportion of protected species sold decreased, but craft stores increased by 14.8%. This may be affected by the epidemic and the recovery of tourism after the epidemic. Our research is still subject to great limitations, especially regarding illegal sales.
Measuring it accurately is challenging given the difficulties of surveying it. And there are no methods available that can provide precise estimates of the species and numbers involved [42,43]. Most analyses are case studies designed to quantify species in specific taxa or regions, e.g., African elephants [43]. Underwood et al. [43] believe that the Elephant Trade Information System, a global database on illegal ivory seizures, has the only comprehensive information on illegal trade. However, inherent biases in seizure data make it difficult to infer trends, and these differences cannot be measured directly.
Such estimates are often based on seizure data reported at the country level but may still be affected by detection and reporting biases [43]. Trade in certain species and products is also more likely to be undervalued. These species and products may be more easily hidden or unobtrusive [44]. In a few cases, specialized methods can account for some of these biases, yielding more reliable estimates of illicit trade, albeit relative trends.
Since we are not law enforcement officers, we cannot conduct searches and interrogations of businesses. During the research process, what we observed through observation were only protected animal specimens, products, or live animals displayed by businesses on shelves or in live tanks. Therefore, this study only reflects the phenomenon of illegal sales of aquatic, wild, protected animals, not the full picture of illegal sales. At the same time, we tried to communicate with the merchants and found that some merchants knew that selling aquatic wild protected animals was illegal, but some merchants did not. For those stores that sell live aquatic wildlife, they usually display the aquatic animals directly in oxygenated containers, which is why it is easy for us to observe live animals. But for some well-known protected animals, businessmen usually hide them in inconspicuous places or store them in warehouses. They are only taken out when customers ask, such as dried seahorses. Therefore, our research can only be based on observation and supplemented by interviews. Accuracy and trustworthiness are ensured through prior investigation and the development of measurement plans and study designs, coupled with familiarity with the species.

4.2. Problems Facing Aquatic Wildlife Protection: Causes and Analysis

In Xiamen, the illegal business and trafficking of aquatic wildlife and their products is still rampant, and relevant law enforcement departments try to investigate and deal with it every year. Even though there are ordinances, there is still no stopping illegal sales, and the consumption of this protected aquatic wildlife is still widespread. The possible reasons for this are as follows:
First, economic interests are an internal driving force for operators to illegally sell protected aquatic animals. Some critically endangered and endangered species, or national first- or second-level protected animals, owing to their rarity, can be sold at higher sales prices, and have thus become the targets pursued by some operators who only pursue economic interests [41].
Second, curiosity, ostentation, and the pursuit of medicinal effects are the psychological motivations for consumers to buy aquatic wildlife. Some consumers seek exotic nutritional solutions [45], believing that these organisms have special therapeutic effects on the body, thus purchasing these protected aquatic wildlife. Other consumers want to own rare things as part of their identity.
Third, there is lax enforcement of laws against illegal activities. For example, when relevant illegal products are seized, criticism and education are often the main focus, supplemented by administrative punishments. Fines of illegal operators are too low, resulting in repeated illegal transactions.
Fourth, there is a general lack of knowledge on aquatic wildlife conservation. During our investigation, we found that both buyers and sellers of aquatic wild animals knew little about the species, characteristics, and relevant laws and regulations. This lack of knowledge means that illegal trade in aquatic wild animals will continue.
Finally, the various protected aquatic species can be difficult to identify, which is an urgent problem to be solved to reduce the illegal sales of aquatic wild animals. A total of 302 species (classes) of aquatic wildlife are listed at the national level, and 152 species (classes) are listed in the CTIES Appendices I, II, and III, which have been approved as first- or second-level protected species in China. These species are difficult to identify, even by professionals and scholars. Moreover, some of the processing used to create related products changes the appearance of the original species. The difficulty of identifying aquatic wild animals also increases the difficulty faced by law enforcement officers [46].

4.3. Management Suggestions

4.3.1. Develop Action Plans at All Levels to Combat Illegal Aquatic Wildlife Trade

To combat illegal trade overall, government departments at all levels should formulate suitable action plans. The country can formulate corresponding strategies, and provinces and cities can formulate specific action plans. For example, in 1900, the United States government established the Lacey Act, the first national legislation to specifically target commercial wildlife trade [42]. Subsequently, the USA issued the National Strategic Action Plan to combat illegal wildlife trade on 11 February 2015. The plan formulated core political strategies and combined forces from different state departments to carry out countermeasures [47,48]. United Nations General Assembly resolution 69/314 on combating illegal trafficking in wildlife, adopted on 30 July 2015, calls on Member States to consider illegal trafficking in protected species of wildlife involving organized criminal groups as a serious crime in accordance with their national laws [49]. In addition, the United Nations Security Council has passed several resolutions on wildlife poaching, encouraging countries to take effective measures to prevent and combat wildlife trafficking [50].

4.3.2. Strengthen the Construction of Identification Agencies for Law Enforcement

The wide variety of protected aquatic wild animals, with 302 species listed at the national level, can be difficult to identify, even by professionals and scholars, let alone some processed products with an appearance that differs from the original species. This creates challenges for law enforcement officers in their work. Liu and Zhang [51] stated that quickly identifying species is difficult, which is also one of the reasons for the ineffectiveness of the repression of illegal activity. Lack of appropriate tools and molecular-based techniques to identify wild species are some of the major limitations faced by judicial and law enforcement agencies in bringing charges against poachers and illegal agitators [52]. Therefore, strengthening the construction of aquatic wildlife identification units is the basis for law enforcement. On 3 November 2017, the Ministry of Agriculture announced the first batch of 32 scientific research and teaching units as identification units for protected aquatic wildlife species [53], which provided a technical basis upon which China could halt illegal aquatic wildlife trade. From the current viewpoint, this is too small a number of units for China. The construction of species identification agencies and the training of law enforcement officers must be simultaneously further strengthened to improve their ability to identify wild aquatic animals.

4.3.3. Inspect Regional Aquatic Wildlife Trade

To date, the illegal trade of protected aquatic wildlife is ongoing [54,55]. Therefore, the inspection and management of the aquatic wildlife trade must be strengthened [56]. Of the 24 species of aquatic wild animals we recorded in this study, 12 are listed in CITES, accounting for 52% of the species that we observed. At present, obtaining relevant information on the sources and supply chains of these endangered species is difficult. This seriously restricts effective management of these species by competent authorities at all levels. We do not know how many species are illegally traded in Xiamen. Having this information would help local authorities reduce the illegal aquatic wildlife trade. Therefore, regular and irregular verification and inspection of the aquatic wildlife trade in this region seem to be the solution. During inspections, wildlife authorities and the academic community should join forces to strengthen their ability to identify protected species.
Armstrong et al.’s [57] recommendations in the report include the following:
  • Increase vigilance at formal and informal landing sites to intercept wildlife contraband. Strengthen agency capabilities for investigation, prosecution, and post-seizure processing.
  • Improve inter-agency and inter-country cooperation through strengthened communication channels and joint working groups guided by inter-agency and cross-border practical operating procedures.
  • Using existing traceability tools to tackle the trafficking of marine turtles, sharks, and rays and improve regulation of the legal trade in sharks and rays.

4.3.4. Strengthen Outreach and Education to Increase Awareness Level

In this survey, some merchants and consumers reported that they were not familiar with the types of aquatic wildlife under national key protection. They expressed not knowing that the animals or products they were selling or buying were protected. Therefore, it is necessary to strengthen law enforcement and increase outreach efforts. Firstly, locally protected aquatic wildlife species and their product lists must be mapped and widely publicized. Secondly, information about the protection of aquatic wildlife needs to be publicized, and consumers need to be called upon to resist illegal purchases of aquatic wildlife and create social barriers to prevent illegal aquatic wildlife trade. Therefore, we recommend that the relevant authorities and law enforcement agencies produce simple and easy-to-understand popular science outreach material. The content can cover clearly prohibited species and their products and guide enterprises to only sell legal species and consumers to only buy legal species. This information can be widely publicized through multiple channels such as radio, news, television, social media, and the Internet [5,58].

4.3.5. Collect Trade Information Through Multiple Channels and Resolutely Repress Illegal Trade

We also found that current illegal trade practices are becoming increasingly hidden. Some merchants place only one sample on the counter when they sell protected aquatic wildlife and then use other locations for trade. In addition, some operators conduct online transactions through concealed professional websites and platforms to avoid supervision. This invisibly exacerbates the difficulty of inspection and enforcement. Management should seriously consider solutions to this concealment. Article 32 of the Wildlife Protection Law of the PRC, revised in 2018, clearly stipulates that providing trading services for illegal sale, purchase, or use of wild animals and their products, or certain hunting tools on online trading platforms, commodity trading markets, and other trading venues is prohibited [31]. This provides a legal basis for relevant authorities to strengthen their efforts to combat the illegal trade of aquatic wildlife on online platforms. Therefore, relevant law enforcement departments should collect information on various types of aquatic wildlife trade according to the characteristics of the illegal acts discovered and the places where the illegal acts occurred.

4.3.6. Legal Practices and Public Participation

China’s legislation on wildlife protection has formed multiple layers of protection with varying levels of effectiveness. However, shortcomings remain in specific practices, such as attaching importance to certification, lack of supervision, lack of post-certification supervision, and low management effectiveness [59]. In addition, wildlife law enforcement mechanisms also face problems such as cross-departmental authority [60]. This results in each agency having to carry out its own responsibilities and tasks. They lack a common cooperation mechanism among themselves. This includes advocating the management concept of closed-loop wildlife licenses, adopting a strict licensing mechanism for wildlife, standardizing and monitoring the licensing system, and achieving closed-loop management of licensed animals [59]. In addition, the government can promote the establishment of a governance mechanism with the public as the main body and extensive public participation. Therefore, the system would disclose wild animal protection information to the public to increase their enthusiasm to participate and attract more forces to participate in the supervision of wild animal protection work [61].

4.3.7. Increase Research on Breeding Technologies, Promote the Restoration of Protected Species Resources, and Meet Consumer Demand

China has ranked first in aquaculture production for more than 30 consecutive years. Among them, many aquatic wild animals, such as salamanders, spiny-breasted frogs, sturgeons, and mullets, are included in the national key protection list. Breakthroughs have been achieved in the large-scale artificial breeding technology of a series of valuable and endangered species, such as giant salamanders, sturgeons, carmines, and freshwater turtles [62]. In addition, these species include Chinese sturgeon (Luo, et al., 2020), Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baeri) [63], spoon-nose sturgeon (Polyodon spathula) [64], small-bodied sturgeon (Acipenser ruthenus) [65], Amur sturgeon (Acipenser schrencki) [66], Russian sturgeon (Acipenser gueldenstaedti) [67], Sturgeon No. 1, and scorpions [68]. Artificial breeding techniques for major sturgeon species are designed to reduce capture of wild species. The breakthrough of farmed sturgeon reduces dependence on natural resources, and its caviar production meets consumer demand. These new aquaculture productions meet market demand and play a role in reducing the capture of wild species. Simultaneously, the Chinese government, Alibaba, and other public welfare organizations have supplemented the sturgeon fry resources in natural waters through proliferation and release. This has considerably contributed to the proliferation and protection of wild sturgeon resources in China and has played a role in promoting the further restoration of natural resources, having notable ecological effects [69]. All in all, through the development of artificial breeding technology, consumers are provided with a wealth of seafood foods and aquatic product processing products. This meets consumer demand and can reduce consumers’ desire to purchase aquatic wild conservation animals.

5. Conclusions

In China, the government is attempting to strengthen the management of the aquatic wildlife trade. Protecting the biodiversity of aquatic wild animals and achieving sustainable use of natural resources of aquatic wild animals are necessary for China to enter a new era of economic development and to construct an ecological civilization. Judging from the results of this study, the many conservation efforts in China will increasingly strengthen as long as actions are taken to improve them. This includes improving the laws and regulations of aquatic wildlife protection, fully using new technical means, strengthening law enforcement activities at all levels, resolutely repressing various types of illegal transactions, and increasing outreach at all levels of society through various channels. Thus, consumers, sellers, and managers at all levels of society can put an end to the illegal trade of protected aquatic wildlife, and the in-depth development of law enforcement activities can be promoted by providing strong technical support for species identification.

Author Contributions

Conceptualization, J.-Y.L. and T.-J.C.; methodology, J.-Y.L. and J.-Q.W.; software, J.-Y.L., T.-J.C., and Y.-J.S.; validation, J.-Y.L. and T.-J.C.; investigation, J.-Y.L., J.-Q.W., C.-Y.W., T.-J.C., and Y.-J.S.; resources, J.-Y.L. and T.-J.C.; data curation, J.-Y.L.; writing—original draft preparation, J.-Y.L. and T.-J.C.; writing—review and editing, J.-Y.L. and T.-J.C.; visualization, J.-Y.L. and T.-J.C.; supervision, J.-Y.L.; project administration, J.-Y.L.; funding acquisition, J.-Y.L. and T.-J.C. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Funding

This study was supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Fujian Province (No. 2019J01690), the Xiamen Ocean and Fishery Bureau (Southern Center Project) (No. 13GQT001NF14), and the National Foundation Incubation Program of Jimei University (No. ZP2020021). The funders had no role in the study design, data collection, analysis, decision to publish, or manuscript preparation.

Data Availability Statement

Data are contained within the article.

Acknowledgments

We thank Prof. Huang for his suggested comments for the manuscript.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest.

Appendix A. Statistical Results of Survey Shops from 2018 to 2022

TimeSiteCraft ShopFood StallsFish StandDryGoods StoresTotal
TotalNumber of Stores SoldTotalNumber of Stores SoldTotalNumber of Stores SoldTotalNumber of Stores Sold
2018Kulangsu (KLS)22121560010547
TsanTshùUann (TTU)843250012252
Kah Kee Park (KKP)8420004114
Amoy YatSenRd (AYR)15482008131
Number-Eight Farm Market (NEM)004062810376
Zhongpu-Gaoqi Wholesale Market (ZPM)00821821520192
Jimei Farm Market (JFM)00002820028
Xiaodeng Island (XDI)2262004012
Total55267517272255012452
2019Kulangsu (KLS)23111660012551
TsanTshùUann (TTU)942850010247
Kah Kee Park (KKP)8420004114
Amoy YatSenRd (AYR)15482008131
Number-Eight Farm Market (NEM)004058810372
Zhongpu-Gaoqi Wholesale Market (ZPM)00621701520178
Jimei Farm Market (JFM)00002620026
Xiaodeng Island (XDI)2262004012
Total57257017254255012431
2020Kulangsu (KLS)168102008334
TsanTshùUann (TTU)74182008133
Kah Kee Park (KKP)6220004110
Amoy YatSenRd (AYR)8241004116
Number-Eight Farm Market (NEM)00404855157
Zhongpu-Gaoqi Wholesale Market (ZPM)0040121520127
Jimei Farm Market (JFM)00001800018
Xiaodeng Island (XDI)223000207
Total391845518710337302
2021Kulangsu (KLS)14880006128
TsanTshùUann (TTU)64140006026
Kah Kee Park (KKP)5320004011
Amoy YatSenRd (AYR)6340002112
Number-Eight Farm Market (NEM)00404964057
Zhongpu-Gaoqi Wholesale Market (ZPM)0040126520132
Jimei Farm Market (JFM)00002000020
Xiaodeng Island (XDI)223000207
Total332039019511262293
2022Kulangsu (KLS)13770005125
TsanTshùUann (TTU)54120005022
Kah Kee Park (KKP)4220004010
Amoy YatSenRd (AYR)5340002111
Number-Eight Farm Market (NEM)00405164059
Zhongpu-Gaoqi Wholesale Market (ZPM)0040128520134
Jimei Farm Market (JFM)00001900019
Xiaodeng Island (XDI)222000206
Total291835019811242286

References

  1. Roe, D.; Dickman, A.; Kock, R.; Milner-Gulland, E.J.; Rihoy, E.; Sas-Rolfes, M. Beyond banning wildlife trade: COVID-19, conservation and development. World Dev. 2020, 136, 105121. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  2. Liew, J.H.; Kho, Z.Y.; Lim, R.B.H.; Dingle, C.; Bonebrake, T.C.; Sung, Y.H.; Dudgeon, D. International socioeconomic inequality drives trade patterns in the global wildlife market. Sci. Adv. 2021, 7, eabf7679. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  3. Maxwell, S.L.; Fuller, R.A.; Brooks, T.M.; Watson, J.E.M. Biodiversity: The ravages of guns, nets and bulldozers. Nature 2016, 536, 143–145. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  4. Ceballos, G.; Ehrlich, P.R.; Barnosky, A.D.; García, A.; Pringle, R.M.; Palmer, T.M. Accelerated modern human-induced species losses: Entering the sixth mass extinction. Sci. Adv. 2015, 1, e1400253. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  5. Scheffers, B.R.; Oliveira, B.F.; Lamb, I.; Edwards, D.P. Global wildlife trade across the tree of life. Science 2019, 366, 71–76. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  6. Sodhi, N.S.; Koh, L.P.; Brook, B.W.; Ng, P.K.L. Southeast Asian biodiversity: An impending disaster. Trends Ecol. Evol. 2004, 19, 654–660. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  7. Sreekar, R.; Zhang, K.; Xu, J.; Harrison, R.D. Yet another empty forest: Considering the conservation value of a recently established tropical nature reserve. PLoS ONE 2015, 10, e0117920. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  8. Symes, W.S.; Edwards, D.P.; Miettinen, J.; Rheindt, F.E.; Carrasco, L.R. Combined impacts of deforestation and wildlife trade on tropical biodiversity are severely underestimated. Nat. Commun. 2018, 9, 4052. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  9. Vincent, A.C.J.; Sadovy de Mitcheson, Y.J.; Fowler, S.L.; Lieberman, S. The role of CITES in the conservation of marine fishes subject to international trade. Fish Fish. 2014, 15, 563–592. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  10. Burn, R.W.; Underwood, F.M.; Blanc, J. Global trends and factors associated with the illegal killing of elephants: A hierarchical Bayesian analysis of carcass encounter data. PLoS ONE 2011, 6, e24165. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  11. Challender, D.W.S.; Harrop, S.R.; MacMillan, D.C. Towards informed and multi-faceted wildlife trade interventions. Glob. Ecol. Conserv. 2015, 3, 129–148. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  12. Challender, D.W.S.; Harrop, S.R.; MacMillan, D.C. Understanding markets to conserve trade-threatened species in CITES. Biol. Conserv. 2015, 187, 249–259. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  13. Xue, G.F. China and the Law of the Sea: An update. In International Law and Military Operations: International Law Studies; Carsten, M.D., Ed.; Naval War College: Newport, RI, USA, 2008; Volume 84, 319p. [Google Scholar]
  14. Liu, J.Y. Status of marine biodiversity of the China Seas. PLoS ONE 2013, 8, e50719. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  15. Smith, B.; Braulik, G.; Thomas, J.; William, P. “IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Sousa chinensis”. In IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; IUCN Red List: Cambridge, UK, 2021. [Google Scholar]
  16. Jefferson, T.A.; Smith, B.D.; Braulik, G.T.; Perrin, W. “Sousa chinensis”. In IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; IUCN Red List: Cambridge, UK, 2017. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  17. Zheng, J.S.; Liao, X.L.; Tong, J.G.; Du, H.J.; Milinkovitch, M.C.; Wang, D. Development and characterization of polymorphic microsatellite loci in the endangered Yangtze finless porpoise (Neophocaena phocaenoides asiaeorientalis). Conserv. Genet. 2008, 9, 1007–1009. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  18. Mei, Z.A.; Huang, S.L.; Hao, Y.J.; Turvey, S.T.; Gong, W.M.; Wang, D. Accelerating population decline of Yangtze finless porpoise. Biol. Conserv. 2012, 153, 192–200. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  19. Wang, Z.T.; Akamatsu, T.; Duan, P.X.; Zhou, L.; Yuan, J.; Li, J.; Lei, P.Y.; Chen, Y.W.; Yang, Y.N.; Wang, K.X.; et al. Underwater noise pollution in China’s Yangtze River critically endangers Yangtze finless porpoises (Neophocaena asiaeorientalis). Environ. Pollut. 2020, 262, 114310. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  20. Qiwei, W. Acipenser sinensis. In IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; IUCN Red List: Cambridge, UK, 2010; p. e.T236A13044272. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  21. Liang, G.; Geng, B.R.; Zhao, E. Andrias davidianus. In IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; IUCN Red List: Cambridge, UK, 2004; p. e.T1272A3375181. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  22. Browne, R.K.; Li, H.; Wang, Z.; Okada, S.; Hime, P.; McMillan, A.; Wu, M.; Diaz, R.; McGinnity, D.; Briggler, J.T. The giant salamanders (Cryptobranchidae): Part B. Biogeography, ecology and reproduction. Amphib. Reptile Conserv. 2014, 5, 30–50. [Google Scholar]
  23. Cunningham, A.A.; Turvey, S.T.; Zhou, F.; Meredith, H.M.R.; Guan, W.; Liu, X.; Sun, C.; Wang, Z.; Wu, M. Development of the Chinese giant salamander Andrias davidianus farming industry in Shaanxi Province, China: Conservation threats and opportunities. Oryx 2016, 50, 265–273. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  24. Yang, H.L.; Shen, L.; He, Y.F.; Tian, H.W.; Gao, L.; Wu, J.M.; Mei, Z.A.; Wei, N.A.; Wang, L.; Zhu, T.B.; et al. Status of aquatic organisms resources and their environments in Yangtze River system (2017–2021). Aquac. fish fish. 2024, 9, 833–850. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  25. Fu, C.; Wu, J.; Chen, J.; Wu, Q.; Lei, G. Freshwater fish biodiversity in the Yangtze River basin of China: Patterns, threats and conservation. Biodivers. Conserv. 2003, 12, 1649–1685. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  26. Xing, Y.; Zhang, C.; Fan, E.; Zhao, Y. Freshwater fishes of China: Species richness, endemism, threatened species and conservation. Divers. Distrib. 2016, 22, 358–370. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  27. Li, J.; Chen, X.; Zhang, X.; Huang, Z.; Xiao, L.; Huang, L.; Kano, Y.; Sato, T.; Shimatani, Y.; Zhang, C. Fish biodiversity conservation and restoration, Yangtze River basin, China, Urgently Needs ‘Scientific’ and ‘Ecological’ Action. Water 2020, 12, 3043. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  28. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Available online: http://www.iucnredlist.org/ (accessed on 18 October 2022).
  29. Regulations on the Reproduction and Protection of Aquatic Resources. Available online: https://flk.npc.gov.cn/detail2.html?ZmY4MDgwODE2ZjNlOThiZDAxNmY0MjNjY2MzMjAzYTk%3D (accessed on 18 October 2022).
  30. Fisheries Law of the People’s Republic of China. Available online: https://flk.npc.gov.cn/detail2.html?MmM5MDlmZGQ2NzhiZjE3OTAxNjc4YmY3NmExMTA3MDM%3D (accessed on 18 October 2022). (In Chinese)
  31. Wild Animal Conservation Law of the People’s Republic of China. Available online: https://flk.npc.gov.cn/detail2.html?ZmY4MDgwODE2ZjEzNWY0NjAxNmYxY2NlYTE0YjExNDM%3D (accessed on 18 October 2022). (In Chinese)
  32. National Key Protected Wildlife List. Chin. J. Wildl. 1989, 2, 11–24. (In Chinese)
  33. Lu, C.C. Influence and countermeasures after the adjustment of National Key Protected Wildlife List. China Fish. 2021, 6, 43–45. (In Chinese) [Google Scholar]
  34. Fujian Provincial Marine and Fishery Law Enforcement Corps. Selected Documents of Laws and Regulations on Marine and Fishery Law Enforcement, 1st ed.; Fujian Provincial Marine and Fishery Law Enforcement Corps: Fuzhou, China, 2014; pp. 267–268. (In Chinese) [Google Scholar]
  35. Wang, J.Q.; Shih, Y.J.; Huang, L.M.; Li, J.; Li, W.W.; Shih, C.H.; Chu, T.J. Evaluating the effects related to restocking and stock replenishment of Penaeus penicillatus in the Xiamen Bay, China. J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2021, 9, 1122. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  36. Nature & Geography. Available online: https://www.xm.gov.cn/english/aboutxiamen/xiamenoverview/202111/t20211108_2596674.html (accessed on 11 November 2024).
  37. Shih, C.H.; Wang, X.R.; Lu, Y.M.; Chu, T.J. Assessing the role of policy in the evolution of recreational fisheries in Chinese fishing villages: An analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and Delphi method analysis. Fishes 2024, 9, 353. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  38. Tagliafico, A.; Rangel, S.; Kelaher, B.; Scheffers, S.; Christidis, L. A new technique to increase polyp production in stony coral aquaculture using waste fragments without polyps. Aquaculture 2018, 484, 303–308. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  39. Hang, S.L. Taxonomy, Resources, Utilization and Conservation of Seahorses in China. Master’s Thesis, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, China, 2013. (In Chinese). [Google Scholar]
  40. IPBES. Summary for Policymakers of the Global Assessment Report on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services; IPBES Secretariat: Bonn, Germany, 2019. [Google Scholar]
  41. Huang, S.L.; Wang, S.W. Conservation status and prospects of endangered aquatic wildlife in Yangtze River basin. J. Shanghai Ocean Univ. 2020, 29, 128–138. (In Chinese) [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  42. ‘t Sas-Rolfes, M.; Challender, D.; Hinsley, A.; Veríssimo, D.; Milner-Gulland, E. Illegal wildlife trade: Scale, processes, and governance. Annu. Rev. Environ. Resour. 2019, 44, 201–228. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  43. Underwood, F.M.; Burn, R.W.; Milliken, T. Dissecting the illegal ivory trade: An analysis of ivory seizures data. PLoS ONE 2013, 8, e76539. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  44. Symes, W.S.; McGrath, F.L.; Rao, M.; Carrasco, L.R. The gravity of wildlife trade. Biol. Conserv. 2018, 218, 268–276. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  45. Fang, H.H.; Zhang, N. All parties work together to build a defense line for the protection of aquatic wildlife—An interview with Zhao Yimin, Deputy Director of the Yangtze River Basin Fishery Administration Office of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs. China Fish. 2019, 4, 9–10. (In Chinese) [Google Scholar]
  46. Yang, C.Z. On the perfection of China’s Law on the protection of aquatic precious and endangered wildlife. New West. China 2016, 9, 75–77. (In Chinese) [Google Scholar]
  47. Mozer, A.; Prost, S. An introduction to illegal wildlife trade and its effects on biodiversity and society. Forensic Sci. Int. Anim. Environ. 2023, 3, 100064. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  48. Xie, Y.; Wen, Y.L. Study on policies combating wildlife trafficking in U.S. (Ⅲ)—Explanation and Analysis of National Strategy for Combating Wildlife Trafficking: Implementation Plan Study on Policies Combating Wildlife Trafficking in U.S. For. Econ. 2016, 38, 100–106. (In Chinese) [Google Scholar]
  49. Lelliott, J. International law relating to wildlife trafficking: An overview. In Wildlife Trafficking: The Illicit Trade in Wildlife, Animal Parts, and Derivatives; Ege, G., Schloenhardt, A., Christian Schwarzenegger, C., Eds.; Carl Grossmann: Berlin, Germany, 2020; pp. 125–144. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  50. Sjöstedt, B. Enforcement powers of the United Nations Security Council. In Animals in the International Law of Armed Conflict; Peters, A., de Hemptinne, J., Kolb, R., Eds.; Cambridge University: Cambridge, UK, 2022; pp. 363–382. [Google Scholar]
  51. Liu, P.; Zhang, Y.Y. The regulation of wildlife trade in China: Current status: Problems and policy suggestions. Nanjing Soc. Sci. 2020, 5, 68–75. (In Chinese) [Google Scholar]
  52. Gouda, S.; Kerry, R.G.; Das, A.; Chauhan, N.S. Wildlife forensics: A boon for species identification and conservation implications. Forensic Sci. Int. 2020, 317, 110530. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  53. China Fisheries Government Network. Announcement No.2607th of the Ministry of Agriculture of People’s Republic of China. Available online: http://www.moa.gov.cn/govpublic/YYJ/201711/t20171117_5903808.htm (accessed on 28 May 2024). (In Chinese)
  54. Huang, F.J. Problems and countermeasures of aquatic wildlife protection in China. Mod. Agric. Sci. Technol. 2010, 10, 305–308. (In Chinese) [Google Scholar]
  55. Zhao, X.H.; Li, C.L. Research on the current status of illegal wildlife trade on the internet platform: Based on the executed criminal cases between 2015 and 2019. Sichuan J. Zool. 2021, 40, 394–403. (In Chinese) [Google Scholar]
  56. Wu, J.Q. A study on laws and regulations of aquatic wildlife consumption ban: A case of artificially-bred Giant Salamander---taking Andrias Davidanus as an example. J. Shenyang Agric. Univ. Soc. Sci. Ed. 2020, 22, 377–384. (In Chinese) [Google Scholar]
  57. Armstrong, O.H.; Wong, R.; Lorenzo, A.; Sidik, A.; Sant, G.; Chng, S. Illegal Wildlife Trade: Baseline for Monitoring and Law Enforcement in the Sulu-Celebes Seas; TRAFFIC Southeast Asia Regional Office: Petaling Jaya, Malaysia, 2023; pp. 1–86. [Google Scholar]
  58. Wang, W.X.; Hu, Y.J.; Chen, S.Z. Current situation and enlightenment of global sustainable utilization and trade of wildlife resources. World For. Res. 2017, 30, 1–5. (In Chinese) [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  59. Zhang, Z.Y.; Liu, S. The status quo and path reconstruction of China’s wildlife protection law. J. Suihua Univ. 2022, 42, 10–12. (In Chinese) [Google Scholar]
  60. Zhang, H.X. Problems and optimization measures of China’s wildlife protection law enforcement mechanism. Leg. Vis. 2022, 23, 117–119. (In Chinese) [Google Scholar]
  61. Zhou, K.; Jiang, H.J. Research on the legal system of wildlife protection from the perspective of integrity. Huxiang Leg. Rev. 2022, 2, 26–37. (In Chinese) [Google Scholar]
  62. Hou, Y.B. Protection of wild aquatic animal resources. Hebei Fish. 2001, 1, 35–36. (In Chinese) [Google Scholar]
  63. Song, W.; Song, J.K.; Fan, C.X.; Zhang, T.; Wang, B. Studies on the early embryonic development of artificially-bred Siberian sturgeon(Acipenser baeri). J. Fish. China 2010, 34, 777–785. (In Chinese) [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  64. Ding, Q.Q.; Wan, C.Y.; Yi, J.F.; Liu, W.C.; Pan, L.; Hu, C.L. Technical rules for artificial reproduction of Polyodon spathula. J. Aquac. 2011, 32, 26–27. (In Chinese) [Google Scholar]
  65. Dong, Y.; Yang, R.; Jiang, Z.Q.; Hu, H.X. Comparative methods of reading data derived from genetic diversity analysis by microsatellite loci in farmed sterlet Acipenser ruthenus population. J. Dalian Ocean Univ. 2016, 31, 516–521. (In Chinese) [Google Scholar]
  66. Qu, Q.Z.; Sun, D.J.; Ma, G.J.; Wu, W.H.; Qiu, L.Q.; Wang, B.Q. A note report on artificial reproduction of Amur sturgeon Acipenser schrencki. J. Fish. Sci. China 2002, 9, 277–279. (In Chinese) [Google Scholar]
  67. Hu, H.X.; Liu, X.C.; Zhu, H.; Lim, H.R. Gonadal development artificial reproduction in cultured Acipenser Gueldenstaedti. Acta Sci. Nat. Univ. Sunyatseni 2007, 46, 81–85. (In Chinese) [Google Scholar]
  68. Li, W.L.; Shi, Z.G.; Wang, Y.S.; Liu, J.K.; Lu, H.; Han, J. A technique of artificial reproduction of cultured sturgeon Huso dauricus. J. Dalian Fish. Univ. 2009, 24, 157–159. (In Chinese) [Google Scholar]
  69. Wei, Q.W.; He, J.; Yang, D.; Zheng, W.; Li, L. Status of sturgeon aquaculture and sturgeon trade in China: A review based on two recent nationwide surveys. J. Appl. Ichthyol. 2004, 20, 321–332. (In Chinese) [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
Water 17 00305 g001
Figure 1. Occurrence frequency of wildlife at study sites during 2018–2022.
Figure 1. Occurrence frequency of wildlife at study sites during 2018–2022.
Water 17 00305 g001
Table 1. Study site information.
Table 1. Study site information.
SiteLongitudeLatitudeDetails
Kulangsu (KLS)118°03′46″ E24°26′51″ NKLS, located on a small island in Siming District, is a famous scenic area with an area of less than 2 km2; known as “Garden on the Sea”, “International Architecture Exposition”, and “Island of Pianos”. Many shops, restaurants, snack bars, souvenir shops, etc.
Amoy YatSenRd (AYR)118°08′26″ E24°45′42″ NMany branched streets in AYR business district; located in old city. Streets are all located in arcade buildings in southern Fujian style; one of most prosperous business districts in Xiamen. Many shopping streets, restaurants, snack bars, souvenir shops, etc.
TsanTshùUann (TTU)118°12′48″ E24°43′11″ NTsanTshùUann Cultural and Creative Village: China’s top literary and artistic fishing village is a cultural and educational tourist area. Many shopping streets, restaurants, snack bars, souvenir shops, etc.
Kah Kee Park (KKP)118°10′57″ E24°56′73″ NLocated in Jimei District, covering an area of 185,000 m2; a national civilized scenic tourist area and national 4A-level tourist attraction.
Xiaodeng Island (XDI)118°38′75″ E24°55′79″ NOnly 0.88 km2; a famous leisure fishing village with pleasant scenery; a place for leisure tourism. The island has many seafood restaurants, snack bars, and souvenir shops.
Number-Eight Farm Market (NEM)118°07′43″ E24°45′85″ NLargest and most complete markets in Xiamen. All fresh fishing goods arrive on the first pier, and lights are on from early morning to midnight. Also known as “the kitchen of Xiamen people”. Many seafood restaurants and shops.
Zhongpu-Gaoqi Wholesale Market (ZPM)118°10′60″ E24°55′23″ NLargest aquatic product wholesale market in Xiamen, with more than 200 traded varieties, mainly live, fresh, chilled, dried, and frozen shellfish and freshwater fish, etc. Products mainly from Fujian, Zhejiang, Guangxi, Guangdong, Hainan, Liaoning, and other coastal areas.
Jimei Farm Market (JFM)118°09′94″ E24°57′39″ NFarmers market located in Jimei District; main place for residents in Jimei Town to purchase daily non-staple food. Sellers are mainly farmers, fishermen, and other individual producers, with a small number of traders selling agricultural and sideline products.
Table 2. List of protected aquatic wildlife species in Xiamen and their observation frequency in markets.
Table 2. List of protected aquatic wildlife species in Xiamen and their observation frequency in markets.
FamilySpeciesProtection Level 1CITES 2IUCN 3Living OrganismsSpecimen or ProductOccurrence Frequency
CoralliidaeCoralliidae spp.IIIIEN √6
TridacnidaeTridacna gigasIIIVU √13
NautilidaeNautilus pompiliusIII √7
CryptobranchidaeAndrias davidianusIIICR√ 2
AnguillidaeAnguilla marmorataII LC√ 3
HippocampinaeHippocampus spp.IIII2EN, 10VU, 1NT √9
CheloniidaeEretmochelys imbricataIICR √1
Chelonia mydasIIEN √1
CypraeidaeCypraea tigrisII √25
CassididaeCassis cornutaII √21
StrombidaeAliger gigasIIII √3
TurbinidaeTurbo marmoratusII √6
CharoniidaeCharonia tritonisII √2
TridacnidaeTridacna squamosaIIII √2
Hippopus hippopusIIII √1
Scleractinia spp.IIII √22
TubiporidaeTubipora musicaIIIINT √8
HippocampinaeSyngnathus spp.II LC or DD √10
HaliotidaeHaliotis diversicolorII √ 23
LimulidaeTachypleus tridentatusII EN√ 6
PalinuridaePanulirus ornatus
Panulirus homarus		II
II		 LC
LC		√
√		 16
5
SolenidaeSolen grandisII √ 15
PinnidaeAtrina pectinataII √ 15
Notes: 1 Protection level in China is divided into grade I conservation of aquatic wildlife (I) and grade II conservation of wild animals (II). China’s provincial-level key protected animals are managed according to national second-class protected animals. Species on the list of key protected animals in Fujian Province are indicated as the second class. 2 Protection level is listed in CITES Appendices I, II, and III. 3 Protection level is listed in IUCN: CR, critically endangered; EN, endangered; VU, vulnerable; NT, near threatened; LC, least concern; DD, data-deficient. Numbers of Coralliidae spp., Hippocampus spp., and Syngnathus spp. were included in IUCN.
Table 3. Occurrence frequency of wildlife species from 2018 to 2022.
Table 3. Occurrence frequency of wildlife species from 2018 to 2022.
SpeciesOccurrence Frequency
20182019202020212022Total
Aliger gigas111003
Andrias davidianus110002
Anguilla marmorata111003
Atrina pectinata3333315
Cassis cornuta4454421
Charonia tritonis000112
Chelonia mydas100001
Corallium spp.111126
Cypraea tigris5555525
Eretmochelys imbricata100001
Haliotis diversicolor5455423
Hippocampus spp.331119
Hippopus hippopus000011
Nautilus pompilius112217
Panulirus homarus111115
Panulirus ornatus3333416
Scleractinia spp.5554322
Solen grandis4432215
Syngnathus spp.3312110
Tachypleus tridentatus112116
Tridacna gigas3332213
Tridacna squamosa000112
Tubipora musica222118
Turbo marmoratus000336
Table 4. Occurrence frequency of wildlife species at each site from 2018 to 2022.
Table 4. Occurrence frequency of wildlife species at each site from 2018 to 2022.
SiteOccurrence Frequency
20182019202020212022Total
Kulangsu (KLS)15131113860
TsanTshùUann (TTU)6679937
Kah Kee Park (KKP)7777634
Amoy YatSenRd (AYR)6641320
Number-eight Farm Market (NEM)6675428
Zhongpu-Gaoqi Wholesale Market (ZPM)5544422
Xiaodeng Island (XDI)3344519
Jimei Farm Market (JFM)221117
Table 5. Results of illegal sales of protected aquatic wild animals in different shops from 2018 to 2022.
Table 5. Results of illegal sales of protected aquatic wild animals in different shops from 2018 to 2022.
YearCraft ShopFood StallsFish StandDry Goods StoresTotal Number of Surveyed ShopsProportion of Occurrence Frequency
Total ShopsNumber of OccurrencesTotal ShopsNumber of OccurrencesTotal ShopsNumber of OccurrencesTotal ShopsNumber of Occurrences
20185526751727225501245217.7%
20195725701725425501243118.3%
202039184551871033730213.2%
202133203901951126229311.3%
202229183501981124228610.8%
Disclaimer/Publisher’s Note: The statements, opinions and data contained in all publications are solely those of the individual author(s) and contributor(s) and not of MDPI and/or the editor(s). MDPI and/or the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to people or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content.

Share and Cite

MDPI and ACS Style

Liu, J.-Y.; Wang, J.-Q.; Shih, Y.-J.; Wu, C.-Y.; Chu, T.-J. Exploring Illegal Trade and Management Strategies in Protected Aquatic Wildlife in Xiamen, China. Water 2025, 17, 305. https://doi.org/10.3390/w17030305

AMA Style

Liu J-Y, Wang J-Q, Shih Y-J, Wu C-Y, Chu T-J. Exploring Illegal Trade and Management Strategies in Protected Aquatic Wildlife in Xiamen, China. Water. 2025; 17(3):305. https://doi.org/10.3390/w17030305

Chicago/Turabian Style

Liu, Jia-Ying, Jia-Qiao Wang, Yi-Jia Shih, Cheng-Ye Wu, and Ta-Jen Chu. 2025. "Exploring Illegal Trade and Management Strategies in Protected Aquatic Wildlife in Xiamen, China" Water 17, no. 3: 305. https://doi.org/10.3390/w17030305

APA Style

Liu, J.-Y., Wang, J.-Q., Shih, Y.-J., Wu, C.-Y., & Chu, T.-J. (2025). Exploring Illegal Trade and Management Strategies in Protected Aquatic Wildlife in Xiamen, China. Water, 17(3), 305. https://doi.org/10.3390/w17030305

Note that from the first issue of 2016, this journal uses article numbers instead of page numbers. See further details here.

Article Metrics

Back to TopTop