China's Huangyan Island possesses a healthy coral reef ecosystem

The coral reef ecosystem of China's Huangyan Island is healthy, with the establishment of a national nature reserve there in September expected to enhance its diversity, stability, and sustainability through strict protection and ecological restoration efforts, according to a recent report.

The survey report on the coral reef ecology of Huangyan Island was released by the South China Sea Ecological Center of the Ministry of Natural Resources, along with relevant departments and institutes, on Monday.

The report indicates that the coral reef ecosystem of the Huangyan Island National Nature Reserve is in an overall healthy condition, with an average coverage of reef-building corals at 38.8 percent. It recorded a total of 135 species of reef-building corals, belonging to 36 genera and 13 families.

The report noted that in the 1960s and 1970s, illegal military activities, such as bomb-dropping exercises by certain countries, caused damage to the coral reefs on the island. Recently, illegal fishing and frequent intrusions by relevant countries have also induced significant stress on the ecosystem.

Additionally, the report stated that the abnormal increase in sea surface temperature caused by global climate change, along with attacks by tropical cyclones, has adversely affected the ecosystem. The island also faces the potential risk of further degradation due to outbreaks of Acanthaster solaris.

The report highlighted that following the establishment of the Huangyan Island National Nature Reserve in September, strict protection measures and necessary ecological restoration efforts will be implemented to help maintain and enhance the diversity, stability, and sustainability of the coral reef ecosystem.

The assessment, conducted from May to October, integrated historical data analysis with field investigations, including vessel navigation surveys, diving investigations, satellite and aerial remote sensing, and in-situ observations.