On Aug 19, fishermen unload their fresh catch in Sanya. [Photo/Sanya Daily]

In the early morning of Aug 19, the Yazhou Central Fishing Port welcomed the first group of fishing boats of this year's fishing season.

Baskets of seafood were unloaded onto the dock by fisherman beaming with the joy of a bountiful harvest. The catch was large and varied, including shrimp, crabs, and various fish species.

"I caught about 1,000 to 1,500 metric tons of fish, a great harvest," said Fisherman Xu Jin. His catch was in high demand, and within less than 2 hours of docking, it was sold out.

As the first boats returned, a "first fish" auction took place at the fishing port. In Chinese culture, the first-caught fish of fishing season symbolizes good luck and prosperity.

On Aug 16, with the end of the fishing ban in the South China Sea, thousands of fishing boats set sail from Yazhou Central Fishing Port in Sanya, heading out on the wide open sea in hopes of a plentiful catch.

Sanya held the Fishing Festival celebration from Aug 16 to 19, which included activities such as a fishing ceremony, fish-catching competition and fish printing art exhibition. The event not only brought an abundance of fresh seafood, but also showcased the thriving development of the fishing industry in Sanya.