The ecosystem surrounding Huangyan Dao (Islands) is healthy and well preserved, providing insight into long-term marine environmental protection, according to a report on marine research. China's Ministry of Ecology and Environment released a new investigation into the marine ecosystem surrounding Huangyan Dao on Friday. This is the Chinese government's second annual report on the marine ecosystem around Huangyan Dao. "Seawater and marine sediments both remained Grade-One quality (the highest quality grade). Heavy metals and petroleum hydrocarbons in fish stayed well below limits," said Pei Xiaofei, spokesperson of the ministry. Researchers recorded 134 species of hard corals, 25 more than last year. Live coral cover also continued to increase. "There are well-structured Acropora, Montipora, and Portites reaching two meters in diameter whose age may have already exceeded two hundred years. The ecological condition of the corals looks truly magnificent," said Wang Yongzhi, an engineer of South China Institute of Environmental Sciences. The team also documented 145 reef fish species, up by 20 from last year. This year's giant-clam study identified three species in the area. "We observed a wide range of giant clams this time, including rare ones. The growth conditions are exceptionally healthy for giant clams," said Yang Jing, director of the Marine Research Center, South China Institute of Environmental Science. Experts said the findings offer valuable insight into long-term environmental trends and the broader impacts of global climate change on the region's marine ecosystems. "[The research] gives us a clearer picture of the ecological environment in the South China Sea. That foundation is critical for future protection efforts," said Lu Junqing, deputy director of South China Institute of Environmental Science. SHOTLIST: Beijing, China - Nov 28, 2025 1. Various of press conference of Ministry of Ecology and Environment in progress, reporters; 2. SOUNDBITE (Chinese) Pei Xiaofei, spokesperson, Ministry of Ecology and Environment (ending with shot 3): "Seawater and marine sediments both remained Grade-One quality (the highest quality grade). Heavy metals and petroleum hydrocarbons in fish stayed well below limits."; FILE: South China Sea - 2025 3. Aerial shots of sea, patrol vessels; 4. Various of underwater view, marine life, corals; 5. SOUNDBITE (Chinese) Wang Yongzhi, engineer, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences (ending with shot 6): "There are well-structured Acropora, Montipora, and Portites reaching two meters in diameter whose age may have already exceeded two hundred years. The ecological condition of the corals looks truly magnificent."; 6. Various of marine life, corals; 7. SOUNDBITE (Chinese) Yang Jing, director, Marine Research Center, South China Institute of Environmental Science (ending with shot 8): "We observed a wide range of giant clams this time, including rare ones. The growth conditions are exceptionally healthy for giant clams."; 8. Various of giant clams; 9. Various of researchers in investigation; 10. SOUNDBITE (Chinese) Lu Junqing, deputy director, South China Institute of Environmental Science (ending with shot 11): "[The research] gives us a clearer picture of the ecological environment in the South China Sea. That foundation is critical for future protection efforts."; 11. Aerial shots of sea. [Restrictions: No access Chinese mainland]