A fishery organization aiming to protect aquatic resources in the South China Sea was established in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, on Nov 30.

The South China Sea Fishery Association, which is affiliated with the China Fishery Association, will conduct a series of fishery exchanges with counterparts from countries and regions around the South China Sea, said Niu Dun, vice-minister of agriculture.

"Establishment of the subsidiary association will also help China safeguard its territorial sovereignty and its maritime interests, as rising disputes over the South China Sea have occurred in recent years between China and some neighboring countries,” Niu said.

The association has called on various fishery groups in the provinces of Guangdong and Hainan, the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions to join the organization.

"The association will be of great importance to maintaining sustainable fishery resources,” Niu said.