Coastal ecosystems in poor condition

China’s coastal ecosystems remain at high risk. „Most of the typical marine ecosystems that are monitored remain in a sub-healthy condition,“ says a senior official at the Ministry of Ecology and Environment. Development in coastal areas has led to pollution and habitat destruction of many species. According to the Deputy Director of the Marine Ecology Department of the Ministry of Environment, 378 permits have already been issued to the industry to dispose of waste in the sea this year. Only 30 percent of China’s coastal waters and 37 percent of its coastline are protected, Reuters reports. nib