Officials from Wuhu Maritime Safety Authority are working with the local fishery department to warn local farmers and fishermen against catching crabs in or near the Yangtze shipping lane.

The crab harvest season lasts between 5 October and 4 November, when crab-catching is licensed on the Yangtze. The activity is prohibited in certain areas near bridges, ferry terminals and dredging sites.

MSA officials have urged fishermen to give way to other vessels and avoid blocking the traffic. Anyone harvesting crabs without a licence or found to have ignored safety advice would be severely punished, officials said.

Yangtze river crabs are a popular dish in China.