For various reasons,human activities have been killing the aquatic life of the Yangtze River,a plight further exacerbated by hydropower development projects in the upper middle stream of the river. Among all its peers,the Xiaonanhai Hydro-junction has proven most deadly. With field research and in-depth interviews,the author attempts to recreate the background and decision making of the project. The Chongqing Municipal Government,for the sake of local interest and government work performance,actively promoted the project,which requires the trimming of the National Natural Reserve of Rare and Endemic Fish in the upper stream of the Yangtze River. In response to local appeals,relevant departments and commissions conceded and the Three Gorges Group reluctantly agreed to cooperate. The whole case highlights the reckless profit-orientation of administrative power. <<