Sansha City, Hainan Province — Biodiversity in and around China’s southernmost city of Sansha has witnessed significant improvement in recent years. From breathtaking coral reef restoration to a resurgence of endangered marine species, local efforts are transforming the marine ecosystem.
Revival of the Green Sea Turtle Population
Green sea turtles, a first-class protected species in China, have found a safe haven in the islands and reefs of the Xisha Islands in Sansha City. This year alone, 20 turtle nests were discovered, marking a positive trend in their population revival.
Local fishermen have become guardians of these majestic creatures. As the breeding season peaks from May to September, they have stepped up monitoring of the turtles’ nesting activities to enhance the survival rate of newborn hatchlings.
“The monitoring system captures real-time information about turtles coming ashore to lay eggs and sends alert messages to our mobile phones,” said Yu Yangfei, a staff member from the city’s Marine Reserve Administration. “We usually visit the site with the fishermen the next morning to verify if the turtles have actually laid eggs.”
Over the past five years, the number of natural nestings by green sea turtles in Sansha has exceeded 1,300. Patrol staff express immense satisfaction when they witness hatchlings making their journey to the sea.
“Every time we go on patrol and find little turtles emerging, we are very excited to see their tracks,” said Huang Cheng, a member of the local turtle patrol team. “We feel a sense of achievement by protecting a nest of turtles as they make their way to the sea.”
Afforestation and Coral Reef Restoration
Despite challenges such as the scarcity of freshwater, Sansha City has made remarkable strides in afforestation. Over the years, it has nurtured over 85,000 saplings and successfully planted more than 53,000 of them. On some islands and reefs, green coverage has reached over 90%, and these figures continue to rise.
The city is also a haven for sea birds, with more than 40 species roaming its islands and reefs.
In a bid to further enhance marine biodiversity, coral reef restoration demonstration areas have been established on Yongxing and Qilianyu islands. More than 260,000 coral seedlings will soon be transplanted to bolster conservation efforts.
Continued Commitment to Marine Protection
“We will continue to gather efforts from various departments and relevant scientific research institutions to jointly protect the marine environment in our city,” said Zhang Chenglong, deputy director of the Sansha Marine and Fishery Bureau.
Sansha City’s comprehensive approach to conservation—ranging from protecting endangered species to restoring vital ecosystems—serves as a model for sustainable development and environmental stewardship.
Reference(s):
China's southernmost city of Sansha champions marine conservation
cgtn.com
