In 1993, with the approval of the State Council, the Ministry of Agriculture issued the Implementing Regulation on Aquatic Wild Animal Conservation which has 5 chapters and 35 articles. Its major points are as follows:

• The competent administrative department of fishery under the State Council and Provincial Government should designate nature reserves for conservation of aquatic wild animals in key national and local nature reserves and waters where the aquatic wild animals live and reproduce.

• Fishing and killing of key national protected aquatic wild animals are prohibited. Special fishing licenses are needed if such action is necessary.

• Those who domesticate key national protected aquatic animals should obtain permits for domestication and promulgation.

• Sale and purchase of key national protected aquatic wild animals or their products are prohibited.

• Export of key national protected aquatic wild animals or their products should be examined by the administrative competent department of fishery under the provincial government and approval of the competent administrative department of fishery under the State Council.