The four-month summer fishing ban in the Yellow and Bohai seas ended on Sept 1, marking the start of the new fishing season in East China's Shandong province.

Thousands of fishing vessels set sail from ports along the coast, returning with a rich catch of hairtail, pomfret, yellow croaker, sea snails, scallops, and prawns. Local fishing wharfs in Qingdao, Yantai, Weihai, Rizhao, and other coastal cities have become bustling markets where buyers can purchase the freshest seafood straight from the boats.

The season's highlights include swimming crabs, mantis shrimp, and a variety of fish. From giant wild sea cucumbers to plump oysters, the offerings are both abundant and affordable.

Fishing vessels rush out to sea after the fishing ban ended on Sept 1 in Shandong. [Photo/WeChat account: Friendly Shandong]

Local fishermen gather at the ports to unload the newly caught delicacies. [Photo/WeChat account: Friendly Shandong]

Shellfish are about to reach to tables in Shandong. [Photo/WeChat account: Friendly Shandong]