China releases first technical standard for marine ecosystem restoration

(ECNS) -- China’s first technical standard for marine ecosystem restoration, drafted by the South China Sea Institute of Oceanology of Chinese Academy of Sciences, was approved and will be implemented on Oct. 1, 2022.

The technical standard provides regulations on the working process, content, method and technology of coral reef ecological restoration. It has clarifies the coral reef ecosystem restoration indicators, site selection, restoration plan, and points for attention. It also makes clear the management and maintenance after restoration is implemented.

The standard, which has filled blanks in the field in China, allows coral reef restoration to be conducted in line with feasible regulations, providing technological support for the construction of a local marine ecological civilization.

Related regulations of this standard will help solve problems in coral reef restoration, for example, focusing on restoration implementation but ignoring the preliminary investigation, the design and demonstration of restoration schemes as well as later management and maintenance, thus improving restoration efficiency, health of the coral reef ecosystem and service function of coral reefs to marine environment.

Coral reef ecosystems have the highest biodiversity in the ocean. Keeping them healthy is of great significance to promote the construction of a marine ecological civilization, the development of fisheries and tourism and coastal protection, along with safeguarding maritime security.