BEIJING — China's Ministry of Public Security (MPS) will supervise the handling of 100 cases of illegal fishing in the Yangtze River basin to deter such crimes.

The MPS demanded that public security organs focus on fighting organized crime and illegal fishing, which uses cruel and egregious means. Those who hunt, purchase, transport, and sell endangered, aquatic wild animals will also face severe punishments.

The MPS stressed striking a balance between leniency and severity when punishing offenders, calling on law enforcers to educate individual fishermen involved in minor cases, instead of imposing severe penalties.

The fishing ban has been observed in 332 conservation areas along the Yangtze River from the beginning of this year, and will expand to include all the key waters of the country's longest river from Jan 1, 2021.