At the crack of dawn, Officer Li Minglin and his colleagues set out from the Zhanjiang Mangrove Police Station, ready for an important mission in the lush mangrove forests of south China.
🚓 The night before, a tip-off alerted them to illegal peanut worm digging on Lingtou Island, nestled within the sprawling Zhanjiang Mangrove National Nature Reserve—the largest and densest of its kind in China. Determined to protect this ecological gem, the team was on the move to catch the culprits in the act.
Peanut worms, tiny creatures known scientifically as Sipuncula, play a big role in the mangrove ecosystem. By digesting organic matter in the mud, they enrich the soil, helping mangroves thrive. But these worms are also a delicacy in Guangdong Province, fetching high prices and tempting some to harvest them illegally. 🐛💰
Catching the fishermen red-handed, Li and his team ensured the bucket of freshly dug worms was released back into the water. Instead of harsh penalties, the officers chose education, teaching the fishermen about the importance of preserving the mangroves and the creatures that support them. The fishermen pledged to cease their harmful activities, understanding that protecting the environment benefits everyone. 🌿🤝
This is just another day for the dedicated officers of Zhanjiang, who tirelessly work to safeguard their natural heritage. Their story reminds us that every effort counts in the fight to protect our planet. 🌍❤️
Reference(s):
How a Zhanjiang City police station protects south China's mangroves
cgtn.com
