(Wang Yuemou/Xinhua Daily)

More than 2,000 rare fish were released into the Yangtze River on February 27 as Jiangsu marked the fourth anniversary of the national law dedicated to the river’s protection.

The release included 120 Chinese sturgeons, a nationally protected first-class species, and 2,000 Chinese high-fin banded loach (Myxocyprinus asiaticus), a second-class protected species.

All released fry were artificially bred and undergone strict quarantine and scientific assessment to ensure their adaptability to the river’s natural aquatic environment.