First Study on the Coral Reef Ecosystem of China's Xianbin Jiao Published
Initial findings on the coral reef ecosystem of Xianbin Jiao in China have been published.
TroibNews 
The coral reefs at Xianbin Jiao in China's Nansha Qundao are predominantly in good health, a recent report disclosed on Friday.
Over a period from May to July 2024, the South China Sea Development Research Institute of the Ministry of Natural Resources, in collaboration with the South China Sea Ecological Center and the South China Sea Survey Center among other groups, undertook an assessment of the coral reef ecosystem at Xianbin Jiao, unveiling the environment as "in a generally healthy state with local damages."
The findings from the survey indicate that the coral habitat at Xianbin Jiao reef platform maintains its overall stability. The survey documented 236 coral species spanning 57 genera and 13 families, boasting an average coral cover of 24.7 percent, peaking at 51.3 percent, which is considerably high relative to global coral reef benchmarks.
Additionally, the ecosystem supports a diverse marine life including 179 species of coral reef fish from 26 families, such as wrasse, damselfish, and clownfish, averaging about 124 fish per 100 square meters.
While no significant coral bleaching or harmful organism outbreaks have been observed, threats like crown-of-thorns starfish, excessive macroalgae, and human interference persist in certain localities of Xianbin Jiao.
The geographical configuration of Xianbin Jiao includes six cays, three of which remain above water at high tide, surrounded by coral debris and impacted corals within a certain area. The sediment composition around the cays and adjacent marine areas is remarkably consistent, devoid of any terrestrial pollutants.
To bolster this survey, 34 new observation stations were added to the initial 23, expanding the assessment to "cover 75 parameters across four categories, including coral communities, reef organisms, reef habitats and human activities," according to Huang Huamei, deputy dean of the South China Sea Development and Research Institute.
"Giant clams, horned helmet, and other indicator species were spotted in the waters, as well as green sea turtles, hawksbill sea turtles and spinner dolphins, which presents the healthy condition of the coral reef ecosystem," Huang commented.
Xianbin Jiao is also known locally as "fish scale" among fishermen and is situated east of Ren'ai Jiao, under the administration of Sansha City in Hainan, China’s island province. The majority of the atoll dives under the water, characterized by a steep descent and dramatic depth changes along its outer edges.
"Efforts will be made to further intensify the survey and protection of Xianbin Jiao and the adjacent waters. The negative effects exerted by intensive human activities and other external factors should be minimized to maintain the diversity, stability and sustainability of the coral reef ecosystem at Xianjin Jiao," added Huang.
For further information, refer to:
A Survey Report on the Coral Reef Ecosystem of Xianbin Jiao.
Camille Lefevre for TROIB News
Over a period from May to July 2024, the South China Sea Development Research Institute of the Ministry of Natural Resources, in collaboration with the South China Sea Ecological Center and the South China Sea Survey Center among other groups, undertook an assessment of the coral reef ecosystem at Xianbin Jiao, unveiling the environment as "in a generally healthy state with local damages."
The findings from the survey indicate that the coral habitat at Xianbin Jiao reef platform maintains its overall stability. The survey documented 236 coral species spanning 57 genera and 13 families, boasting an average coral cover of 24.7 percent, peaking at 51.3 percent, which is considerably high relative to global coral reef benchmarks.
Additionally, the ecosystem supports a diverse marine life including 179 species of coral reef fish from 26 families, such as wrasse, damselfish, and clownfish, averaging about 124 fish per 100 square meters.
While no significant coral bleaching or harmful organism outbreaks have been observed, threats like crown-of-thorns starfish, excessive macroalgae, and human interference persist in certain localities of Xianbin Jiao.
The geographical configuration of Xianbin Jiao includes six cays, three of which remain above water at high tide, surrounded by coral debris and impacted corals within a certain area. The sediment composition around the cays and adjacent marine areas is remarkably consistent, devoid of any terrestrial pollutants.
To bolster this survey, 34 new observation stations were added to the initial 23, expanding the assessment to "cover 75 parameters across four categories, including coral communities, reef organisms, reef habitats and human activities," according to Huang Huamei, deputy dean of the South China Sea Development and Research Institute.
"Giant clams, horned helmet, and other indicator species were spotted in the waters, as well as green sea turtles, hawksbill sea turtles and spinner dolphins, which presents the healthy condition of the coral reef ecosystem," Huang commented.
Xianbin Jiao is also known locally as "fish scale" among fishermen and is situated east of Ren'ai Jiao, under the administration of Sansha City in Hainan, China’s island province. The majority of the atoll dives under the water, characterized by a steep descent and dramatic depth changes along its outer edges.
"Efforts will be made to further intensify the survey and protection of Xianbin Jiao and the adjacent waters. The negative effects exerted by intensive human activities and other external factors should be minimized to maintain the diversity, stability and sustainability of the coral reef ecosystem at Xianjin Jiao," added Huang.
For further information, refer to:
A Survey Report on the Coral Reef Ecosystem of Xianbin Jiao.
Camille Lefevre for TROIB News
