A command center to monitor the country's fisheries will start operation today as part of the effort to modernize the fishing industry.

The China Fishery Law Enforcement Command will use an electronic management system to track the country's 280,000 fishing boats, Li Jianhua, director of the Ministry of Agriculture's fisheries bureau, said.

Every fishing boat will be equipped with an electronic tag containing information about the ship and its crew to simplify enforcement of fishing regulations.

The system will also cover the breeding of seafood, protection of species, foreign negotiations involving fisheries and accident and rescue work.

"Fisheries are an important part of the agriculture industry and they play a key role in maintaining the country's sea rights and aquatic resources," Agriculture Minister Sun Zhengcai said.

The officials were speaking at a national conference on fishery law enforcement. Thirty-six people and local fishery offices were praised for their contributions to the industry.

Sun said the country had had some success in protecting sea species, preserving fisheries and improving law enforcement. However, challenges to law enforcement remain in the areas of food safety, fishing and breeding.

"We must address these shortcomings if we are to guarantee the sustainable development of the fishing industry," he said.

Vice-Minister Niu Dun said much work had been done to improve seafood safety. "The public is more aware of food safety. And we have now improved our testing systems and research capabilities," Niu said.