China approves maritime zoning plans for coastal regions (1/4)

Tourists enjoy themselves on a seashore resort in Boao City, south China's Hainan Province, Oct. 6, 2012. Chinese government has approved local maritime zoning plans submitted by Shanghai Municipality and the southern provinces of Guangdong and Hainan, respectively, for the 2011-2020 period. The State Council, or China's cabinet, issued a document instructing local governments in the three regions to control reclamation projects, protect fishermen's livelihoods and the development of modern fishery, curb oceanic pollution and make efforts to improve the marine environment. (Xinhua/Meng Zhongde)