China announces new steps to protect Huangyan Island National Nature Reserve

China issued management measures for the Huangyan Island National Nature Reserve, a newly established protected area in the South China Sea known for its coral reef ecosystems and rare marine species, on Saturday.

Huangyan Island, located in the Zhongsha Islands, features unique coral reef ecosystems and distinctive geological formations. It is home to numerous rare and endangered species, including hawksbill turtles, green sea turtles and giant clams. In September 2025, the State Council, China's Cabinet, approved the establishment of the reserve, requiring sound management institutions, strengthened supervision and law enforcement against illegal activities, and improved conservation measures.

The management measures, consisting of 16 articles, were jointly issued by the Ministry of Natural Resources, the National Forestry and Grassland Administration, the China Coast Guard and the People's Government of Hainan Province. A coordination mechanism has been established by the four agencies to address major issues, strengthen collaboration and share information, as per the measures.

Under the measures, the Ministry of Natural Resources organizes boundary surveying, planning review, resource protection and utilization management, asset accounting, registration and confirmation, and protection of territorial sea baseline points. The National Forestry and Grassland Administration supervises the reserve and reviews and approves adjustments, planning and construction. The South China Sea bureau of the Ministry of Natural Resources is responsible for daily protection, resource monitoring and ecological restoration.

The reserve implements strict protection measures. Fishing, mining, excavating corals, coral reefs and giant clams, and other activities that damage rare marine species and natural ecosystems are prohibited without approval. Those who violate the relevant provisions of the management measures will be held liable in accordance with the law.

The ministry said that the management measures are an important step to implement the requirements of the State Council's approval and are significant for maintaining the diversity, stability and sustainability of the Huangyan Island ecosystem.

Relevant departments will guide the management institution to fulfill ecological protection responsibilities, establish early warning and monitoring mechanisms, and continue resource monitoring and ecological restoration, building and managing the reserve to high standards, the ministry added.