Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of coral reef restoration and marine ecological protection in Weizhou Island, Guangxi, highlighting the collaborative efforts of the Guangxi University Marine College research team and local government support to enhance marine biodiversity and promote eco-tourism [1][2][5]. Group 1: Coral Reef Restoration Efforts - Since 2015, the Guangxi University Marine College has been actively involved in coral reef protection and restoration on Weizhou Island, establishing a 2,000 square meter demonstration area that increased live coral coverage from approximately 5% to 20% within three years [2]. - In 2023, the team deployed 1,520 artificial reefs and transplanted over 80,000 coral fragments, restoring an area of 450 acres [2][3]. - The restoration efforts have led to a significant recovery of the underwater ecosystem, attracting more marine life and enhancing the ecological tourism appeal of the island [5][6]. Group 2: Economic Impact and Eco-Tourism - The coral reef restoration has resulted in a booming eco-tourism industry, with approximately 95,000 visitors participating in diving tourism in 2024, generating an income of about 17.1 million yuan [6]. - Local residents have benefited economically, with many engaging in tourism-related activities such as renting out properties, working in hotels, or operating sightseeing vehicles [6]. - The establishment of the largest coral reef public science museum in the country has attracted around 320,000 visitors since its opening in 2019, further promoting awareness and education about coral ecosystems [6][7]. Group 3: Community Engagement and Education - The research team promotes a "research + popular science + tourism + community" model to foster public engagement in coral conservation efforts [7]. - Activities such as coral "adoption" allow tourists to connect emotionally with the coral restoration process, enhancing community involvement in ecological protection [7]. - The educational initiatives have successfully raised awareness about the importance of coral reefs, with visitors expressing a commitment to environmental protection [7].

Group 1 - The theme for the 2025 World Oceans Day and National Ocean Awareness Day is "Protecting Marine Ecosystems for Harmonious Coexistence between Humans and Nature" [1] - The Ministry of Natural Resources will implement marine ecological early warning monitoring in 2024, covering 14 coastal standard sections and 1621 monitoring stations [3] - Continuous efforts in marine ecological protection and restoration have led to the rehabilitation of approximately 400 kilometers of coastline [5] Group 2 - The overall marine ecological status in China is stable, with improvements in some local areas, and typical ecosystems are primarily in good and stable condition [7] - Significant efforts are being made to protect and restore mangroves and coral reefs, which are crucial for coastal protection [8][6] - The establishment of the Dongzhai Port National Nature Reserve in Hainan has seen the planting of 1950 acres of mangroves [10] Group 3 - The Fujian Zhangjiangkou Mangrove National Nature Reserve is home to the most diverse and well-growing mangrove community north of the Tropic of Cancer, covering an area of 4000 acres [12] - Hainan has established 14 mangrove protection areas, with 73% of mangroves under protection, and plans to add 2000 hectares of mangroves by 2025 [13] - The coral reef protection efforts in Fujian include a systematic ecological restoration project using "artificial breeding + transplantation" techniques [15] Group 4 - The population and habitat of rare marine species in China have shown significant recovery due to ongoing marine ecological protection and restoration efforts [18] - The Shandong Changdao area is a key habitat for the endangered spotted seal, with ongoing ecological restoration efforts to improve the environment [21][24] - The artificial breeding base for the Chinese horseshoe crab in Fujian has achieved a breakthrough of over 300,000 larvae, with plans to release 100,000 juvenile crabs [27][29] Group 5 - China has entered the forefront of marine energy development and utilization technology, with significant advancements in tidal energy and wave energy [30] - The Zhejiang Wenling Jiangxia Tidal Experimental Power Station is implementing an automated decision-making system to enhance operational efficiency [32][34] - The LHD tidal current energy generator, developed in Zhejiang, has achieved stable grid connection for over 8 years [36] Group 6 - Guangxi, as the only coastal province in western China, has seen its marine production value grow from 137.7 billion to 258.09 billion yuan from 2017 to 2024, averaging a 9.4% annual growth rate [42]