Five fishery patrol ships were sent to patrol the waters off the Diaoyu Islands during the National Day holiday. [File photo]

China's fishery authorities said Saturday that five fishery patrol ships were in the waters off the Diaoyu Islands during the National Day holiday to continue their patrol and protection missions.

It is the second routine patrol for the ships after the summer fishing moratorium in East China Sea ended in September, the Ministry of Agriculture said in a statement issued on Saturday.

The five ships, setting sail on October 1, are responsible for ensuring the safety of Chinese fishermen and safeguarding the fishing activity which resumed in the area after typhoon Jelawat abated, the statement said.

China's fishery administration bureau has included areas surrounding the Diaoyu Island and affiliated islets in its regular patrol scope since 2010.