The State Council, China’s cabinet, has approved the ocean use plan (2011-2020) for Shanghai, Guangdong and Hainan to guide water use in a scientific and sustainable way, according to a statement on the website of the Central People’s Government on Tuesday.

The statement expanded the permitted area for land reclamation in Shanghai, Guangdong and Hainan before 2020 and asked local governments to strengthen the offshore law enforcement capacity and regulate the marine development market.

By the end of 2020, Guangdong can reclaim 23,000-hectares of land from the sea; Hainan can reclaim 11,150 hectares and Shanghai, 2,300 hectares, according to the statement.

Land reclamation has become a common way for local authorities to solve land shortages caused by rapid urbanization across China, posing a threat to the fragile marine environment and to people living in coastal areas.

The statement said local authorities should regulate and strictly control the land reclamation projects to guarantee the fishery industry and the sustainability of the marine development.