Local fishermen, students and volunteers release baby fish into the ocean in Putuo district, Zhoushan, East China's Zhejiang province, on June 10. [Photo/zj.zjol.com]

Fish were released into the ocean in Putuo district, Zhoushan, East China's Zhejiang province, on June 10, in an effort to preserve the local fish resources. More than six million baby fish were released into the district's Lianhuayang Sea. 

The activity, hosted by the provincial department of agriculture and rural affairs and the municipal government of Zhoushan, was attended by over 300 people, including fishermen, students and local volunteers.

Other cities in Zhejiang province will also hold similar activities in the coming month. An estimated 1.5 billion baby fish will be freed.

Zhejiang province has been committed to preserving fish for the sustainable development of the fishing industry in recent years by renovating fisheries, freeing baby fish and reducing drainage.

The city of Zhoushan started freeing baby fish in 1982, which significantly increased fish output.

Statistics show that fish yield in Putuo district reached 89,000 metric tons in the first quarter of the year, generating an output of 800 million yuan ($115.66 million), up 14.8 percent and 20 percent year on year, respectively.