GUANGZHOU -- Chinese scientists have launched a project concerning the conservation of the critically endangered species of Chinese bahaba, in Huidong county, South China's Guangdong province.

The Chinese bahaba, which was listed as a first-class national protected animal in 2021, is also classified as critically endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species.

"According to the IUCN, the population of Chinese bahaba, also called the yellow-lipped fish, in the wild has declined markedly over the past 50 years," said Huang Honghui, a researcher at the South China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences.

"Further basic research and breeding technology are needed to protect this fish, particularly, more efforts are needed to restore wild populations," Huang added.

The project's research team plans to develop advanced species detection devices, and monitoring and evaluation systems, as well as focus on breeding, stock enhancement and release techniques for the Chinese bahaba. The project also aims to identify comprehensive solutions for species conservation, from research to wild population recovery.

Yan Kuoqiu, a senior engineer at China Bluegen, a marine biological technology company, said the project was very critical in promoting the artificial stocking and restoration of the Chinese bahaba's wild populations in the future.

Xiamen University and other institutes and companies will also join the research effort for the conservation of the fish and other endangered aquatic species, including the narrow-ridged finless porpoise and the Chinese horseshoe crab.