According to the head of the Blue Bay Ecological Environment Public Service Center in Qingdao West Coast New Area (Qingdao WCNA), an increasing number of fishermen are adopting a new mindset, venturing out to sea not only to catch fish but also to clean up the ocean, as they seek to protect both the sea and the fishing industry.

With a land area of over 2,000 square kilometers and a coastline spanning 309 kilometers, Qingdao WCNA recognizes that a healthy marine ecosystem is essential for the high-quality development of the marine economy.

To overcome the challenges posed by fragmented governance, the district has pioneered an innovative approach to blue bay governance. This includes establishing a dual-level system of bay chiefs at the district and township levels. The integration of the bay chief system and river chief system ensures that there is someone responsible for every meter of coastline and river channel, which is expected to reduce pollution in the bays.

One of the core components of this governance system is a mobile app that allows patrol teams to upload any problems or issues discovered during bay patrols. These reports are then handled by specialized personnel in the district's bay chief office.

The fishing community's embrace of this new approach exemplifies the community's dedication to environmental protection and sustainable fishing practices. Qingdao WCNA will continue to prioritize the preservation and restoration of its marine ecosystem for the benefit of both its residents and the local economy.

A view of Fushan Bay in Qingdao West Coast New Area, East China's Shandong province. [Photo/WeChat account: qdxihaianfabu]