BEIJING — China on July 1 started piloting its first fishing moratorium on the high seas of southwest Atlantic Ocean, as part of efforts to promote sustainable marine fishery development in open waters.

The three-month moratorium covers one of China's main squid fishing areas on the high seas between 32 and 44 degrees south latitude, and between 48 and 60 degrees west longitude, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs.

During the period, all Chinese fishing boats in the area will suspend operations, the ministry said.

Meanwhile, it will tighten supervision of fishing boats, and punish those who break the moratorium.

For the next step, the ministry said it will establish a data collection system on squid in open waters to monitor and assess the effects of the moratorium.

Starting from Sept 1, China will also implement a three-month fishing moratorium on the high seas of the eastern Pacific Ocean.