BEIJING, Dec. 29 (Xinhua) -- China on Monday released a survey report on the coral reef ecosystem of Huangyan Dao, located in Sansha City of the southernmost Hainan Province.
The survey report showed that the average coverage rate of hermatypic corals within the Huangyan Dao National Nature Reserve reaches 38.8 percent, and the coral reef ecosystem of Huangyan Dao is generally in good condition.
The national nature reserve is home to 135 species of hermatypic corals, which belong to 36 genera and 13 families, according to the survey report released by the South China Sea Ecological Center of the Ministry of Natural Resources, together with relevant units and scientific innovation platforms.
The hard coral cover of Huangyan Dao is relatively high, with regional variations, according to the survey report. Additionally, there is a large variety of coral reef fish and benthic macroinvertebrates.
Furthermore, extensive and lush seagrass is distributed in the northern part of the lagoon of Huangyan Dao, covering an area of approximately 1.85 square kilometers.
The survey report showed that, recently, illegal fishing and frequent intrusions by certain countries have induced great stress on the ecosystem.
The report pointed out that the abnormal increase in sea surface temperature resulting from global climate change, along with the impacts of tropical cyclones, has adversely affected the ecosystem.
Huangyan Dao faces the potential risk of further degradation caused by outbreaks of Acanthaster solaris.
The report said that after the establishment of Huangyan Dao National Nature Reserve, 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 of Huangyan Dao. Enditem
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