Wildlife conservation is never an easy task. Too many obstacles stand in the way, such as modernization, human activity, pollution, and climate changes, just to name a few.
A group of kind citizens bought 800 live carp, releasing them into the Yellow River in China in hopes of rejuvenating the dwindling numbers of the native species, but little did they expect the fish to flow straight into fishing nets of the greedy fellowmen waiting downstream.
The Yellow River is the second longest river in the world, flowing through nine provinces in China. It is said to have played a critical part in shaping the nation’s history and civilization. Though it has been prone to flooding since ancient times, the great river is also home to a species of fish known as the yellow river carp, which is famous for its fine, tender flesh and unique flavor. Needless to say, the yellow river carp is a popular ingredient for local cuisine, the most well-known dish being “sweet and sour yellow river carp”, a signature dish of Jinan City in Shandong Province, eastern China.
▼ Deep-fried yellow river carp drenched in tangy sweet and sour sauce.
However, due to pollution and over-fishing, the species is said to be dwindling in numbers. On 18 December 2013, a group of more than 20 kindhearted individuals forked out their hard-earned money to purchase over 800 yellow river carps (approximately 1,000kg in weight), releasing the live fish into their natural habitat, hoping to turn the tables. This would have been a great heartwarming story, if only the story ended here.
Now, if you’ve been following RocketNews24 in 2013, you would have known by now that some people in China are extremely enthusiastic about capturing wild fish, and sometimes even birds. Yes, it happened again.
Before the freed carps could even take a tour around their spacious new home, over 50 people were witnessed making a mad dash to a spot just 100-meters downstream, fully equipped with fishing nets and buckets. Some of them even came in trucks and mini vans to transport their intended haul!
▼ These people bought these carps with their own money!
▼ It almost looks like some legit fishing festival.
We feel terribly sorry for the generous souls who attempted to salvage the situation (and for bringing you such upsetting news so soon into the new year!), but by the time this article hits the website, most of the 800 new carp would have probably ended up in some hungry human’s stomach. But at least it’s consolation to know that not all Chinese are free hauling enthusiasts! There are kind, compassionate citizens among them too!
Source: Sihai Xinwen, Zhongguo Shuichan Yangzhi Wang
Images: Zhongguo Shuichan Yangzhi Wang, JPIMG
[ Read in Japanese ]
Japanese rice cooker recipe gives us a tasty new way to enjoy vegetables and wieners
Body of missing American college student found in Kyoto mountains
Even at twice regular Daiso price, this handy item is still great for summer travel in Japan
Colour Hunting: The hot new street photography trend changing how we see Japan
Ghibli’s No Face continues to demonstrate his generous character growth by dispensing soy sauce
Japanese rice cooker recipe gives us a tasty new way to enjoy vegetables and wieners
Body of missing American college student found in Kyoto mountains
Even at twice regular Daiso price, this handy item is still great for summer travel in Japan
Colour Hunting: The hot new street photography trend changing how we see Japan
Ghibli’s No Face continues to demonstrate his generous character growth by dispensing soy sauce
New Tokyo sweets shop offers 648 different mochi ice cream dumpling combinations
Japan’s cheap beef bowl chain Matsuya opens gourmet Premium Matsuya with Kobe beef…inside Matsuya
Fukushima City on edge as resourceful and violent bear still not found
Japanese convenience store shows us how to dress for the rainy season
Lawson opens a new mini supermarket, and the lucky bags can essentially stock your kitchen
Uniqlo reveals third round of massive 100-year-anniversary manga T-shirts for Jump’s Shueisha
Kyoto public junior high school becomes first in Japan with a hoodie school uniform
New official Ghibli anime food cookbook will teach you how to make Ponyo’s ramen and more
Starbucks Japan unveils new Frappuccino showcasing “mottainai” culture
Osaka is hosting a “hentai” event, but it’s probably not what you think
What’s it like to join Tokyo’s walking-and-talking-with-strangers club for a day?
Tokyo’s Pokémon Cafe reopens this month with brand-new sweets and Pikachu show
Tourists brave Typhoon Jangmi to queue at two famous sites in Tokyo
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam anime mecha statue will be removed this summer
Ichiraku Ramen-inspired ramen sets from Naruto anime pay homage to Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura
Kanji ice cream becomes a sell-out hit in Japan
Japanese convenience store Lawson launches new “mini supermarket” chain, L Minimart
Japan’s real-world Pokémon hot spring’s first photos are here![Photos]
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
New Tokyo sweets shop offers 648 different mochi ice cream dumpling combinations
Japan’s cheap beef bowl chain Matsuya opens gourmet Premium Matsuya with Kobe beef…inside Matsuya
Fukushima City on edge as resourceful and violent bear still not found
Japanese convenience store shows us how to dress for the rainy season
Lawson opens a new mini supermarket, and the lucky bags can essentially stock your kitchen
Uniqlo reveals third round of massive 100-year-anniversary manga T-shirts for Jump’s Shueisha
Japan Railways partners with Overwatch, heroes hit the Shinkansen for bullet train collaboration
Osaka is hosting a “hentai” event, but it’s probably not what you think
What’s it like to join Tokyo’s walking-and-talking-with-strangers club for a day?
Starbucks Japan unveils new Frappuccino showcasing “mottainai” culture
Japanese high school closes its cafeteria, replaces it with a 7-Eleven convenience store
A Japanese toast sandwich remix: The toasted rice rice ball[SoraKitchen]
Studio Ghibli adds new range of neckties to its anime merchandise store in Japan
Tokyo’s Pokémon Cafe reopens this month with brand-new sweets and Pikachu show