Draft law toughens fines for maritime pollution

NPC considers amendment that eliminates the ceiling on fines, requires ecological development

China is considering imposing harsher penalties on maritime polluters and removing the upper limit of fines in a move to more effectively protect the marine environment.

In a draft amendment to the Marine Environment Protection Law, submitted on Monday to the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress for first reading, the punitive cap of 300,000 yuan ($44,800) in fines would be eliminated.