China's second longest waterway, the Yellow river, has lost one-third of its fish species, notes a recent report of the country's agriculture ministry.

Known as the cradle of early civilisation, the river used to breed a significant amount of fish. However, over-fishing, rising pollution levels and hydropower projects along the river have degraded the river's ecological environment, notes the state media. Declining water flow caused by scanty rainfall is also blamed for the shrinking fish population. The ministry will set up its first-ever integrated fishing resources committee to save the river from further degradation. The committee will be responsible for mapping out protection plans and tackling serious pollution incidents.