HAIKOU /China/, April 4. /TASS/. The area of coral reefs near the popular among Chinese scuba divers small island Wuzhizhou in the waters of the resort city of Sanya, the southern coast of Hainan province for the past five years has more than doubled. This was reported by the newspaper Sanya Daily.
According to the paper, marine organic formations now occupy about 37 percent of the water space adjacent to Wuzhizhou, which is suitable for reefs. "The efforts of scientists and interested companies alone are far from enough to restore corals. Everyone's cooperation is needed," said Feng Chao, deputy director general of the island's diving tourist area.
As local environmentalists clarified, the degree of adaptation of corals planted near Wuzhizhou since 2016 exceeds 65%. The size of the largest of them, which is about three years old, is 50 cm. Underwater fixation is usually ensured by special pins.
Chinese experts remind that coral reefs allow to significantly enrich the fauna of the underwater world. As they recover, more marine plants appear, which the fish feed on. They are also a treat for divers and their underwater cameras.
According to official figures, 19 marine ecological restoration projects have been carried out in a number of bays near Sanya since 2013. In addition to coral reefs, the authorities are also strengthening the shoreline, preventing it from being destroyed by waves. In eight years, the competent government agencies have improved the environment in an area of more than 51,500 square meters by planting more than 30,100 corals.