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Coral coverage rate in waters of Wuzhizhou Island reaches 37%

Updated: Mar 30, 2022 english.sanya.gov.cn Print
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In order to restore its marine ecology, Wuzhizhou Island in Sanya began to carry out coral restoration work in 2016. Since then, the research team has planted over 30,000 corals and the coral coverage rate has doubled in 2022, reaching 37 percent.

In the waters off Wuzhizhou Island in Sanya, tourists and diving instructors participate in underwater coral planting activities. [Photo/VCG]

The undersea of Wuzhizhou Island is vibrant world now, with various corals and fish. However, there were just scrap iron ships and cement piles 10 years ago. Affected by factors like rising seawater, fishing, and coastal construction, the coral reef ecosystem in this sea area had been destroyed, with the coral coverage rate declining.

Since 2016, Wuzhizhou Island Tourism Development has cooperated with the South China Sea Institute of Oceanography, Chinese Academy of Sciences to carry out coral restoration work in the diving sightseeing area of Wuzhizhou Island including multiple reef-building coral transplant and nursery cultivation works.

Coral reefs are called "tropical forests" in the ocean and are an important part of the marine ecosystem. Beautiful coral reefs also provide a wider habitat for the gathering, reproduction, and growth of marine life, while also enhancing the underwater world. In recent years, Wuzhizhou Island has been attracting more tourists thanks to its improving marine ecosystem.

Since 2013, Sanya has implemented 19 marine ecological protection and restoration projects in Sanya Bay, Hongtang Bay, Yalong Bay, Baifu Bay, as well as other areas, including coral reef restoration, shore beach restoration, and artificial sand replenishment. Through its ecological protection and restoration efforts, the city has restored 7.7 kilometers of coastline, restored a sea area of 51,584 square meters, and planted 30,188 corals.

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