China, Tongli -Cormoran fishing

Cormorant fishing, a traditional method used in Japan and China since 960 AD, involves using trained cormorants to catch fish. The technique is documented in the Book of Sui, a historical text from the Sui Dynasty. Fishermen control the birds by tying a snare around their throats, preventing them from swallowing larger fish. While once a thriving industry, cormorant fishing now primarily serves the tourism sector, though it faces threats in China.

In which countries did cormorant fishing historically take place?

• Egypt and Greece

• Japan and China

• Brazil and Argentina

• India and Thailand

What is the purpose of the snare tied around the cormorant's throat?

• To help the bird fly faster

• To prevent the bird from swallowing larger fish

• To protect the bird from predators

• To make the bird dive deeper

What happens when a cormorant catches a fish?

• The fish is released back into the water

• The bird stores the fish in its nest

• The fisherman retrieves the bird and makes it spit the fish up

• The bird eats the fish immediately

What was the primary use of cormorant fishing in the past?

• For recreational purposes

• As a form of art

• As a successful industry

• For scientific research

What is the main use of cormorant fishing today?

• To support the fishing industry

• For educational purposes

• To serve the tourism industry

• For environmental conservation