We can’t always take from nature
Yang Tianxi, a 49-year-old porpoise guard
Iwas born on a boat on Dongting Lake in Yueyang, Hunan province, so maybe I was born to be a fisherman or destined to guard the waters on which my family depends.
I was a fisherman even before I finished primary school, and my family has earned a living as fishermen for generations, so we know we live on nature’s gifts.
In the early 1990s, it was common to see porpoises in the lake; I remember how they would swim in a circle near our boat when we were casting our nets.
Things have changed since then. Illegal fishing and sand excavation have damaged the water and altered the balance of nature. We have fewer aquatic resources to live on and the porpoises have less to eat.
When I signed up for the “finless porpoise guardians” project, the two-month introductory period was really tough; only 12 people passed the interview and I was proud to be one of them.
My wife objected because I would earn less money. We now we live on 3,000 yuan ($456) a month, which barely covers our daily expenses, so I understand my wife’s complaints but I feel obliged to protect my old friends.
I’m one of 12 guards on the east side of the lake. We patrol in groups of three, and it usually takes half a day to cover our stretch. It’s hard work, and it can be dangerous.
In August, a colleague and I helped fishery administrators and local police crack an illegal fishing gang. Seven boats and 14 suspects were detained.
However, when I came home I received a call from their accomplices, threatening to kidnap my wife and children because they had lost their source of income. We were terrified.
My friends and neighbors are fishermen, so they give me the cold shoulder and treat me like an informer.
I understand why. I was once a fisherman and reaped the benefits of illegal fishing, but now I report illegal activities to the authorities.
Money is not important. My family has lived on the water for generations, but we can’t always take from nature. It’s time to pay something back. Yang Tianxi spoke with Cheng Si.