The Oceans and Fisheries Bureau of Xiamen has made a series of reforms to better manage marine resources and facilities.

The coastal city in southeastern China is famed for its ocean, beaches, islands and a booming economy.

The bureau has released a comprehensive plan to rehabilitate the city's bays, seashore and islands with a focus on preservation. By 2016, the city is expected to gain the status of a national oceanic demonstration area.

Wuyuan Bay used to be a cluster of fish farms with serious sanitation problems. Since 2002, the city government has invested some 230 million yuan ($37.4 million) restoring a total area of more than 70 sq km.

Today, the bay has become a popular tourism spot with beautiful ocean and residential area with better infrastructure.

Seven other bays are also undergoing restoration.

As a recreational center, Xiamen's seashore is an important part of everyday local life. The city government has put an emphasis on protecting and renewing this natural charm. Starting from protecting rocks and sand on the beach, it then planted mangrove trees.

The city now has about half a square kilometer of mangrove forest with the long-term goal to reach 1.3 sq km.

Baicheng near Xiamen University is a renowned beach in the area. In the future it will be home to a 24.87 sq km State-level ocean park that will feature scenery, beaches, islands and entertainment facilities.

Almost three-quarters of the islands in Xiamen - some 17 - are uninhabited. With plans underway to develop the islands, protection is the priority, according to the Oceans and Fisheries Bureau. The height of buildings, waste treatment solutions and other aspects of development will be strictly regulated.

According to the bureau, the ocean in the west of the city has been affected by land pollution. The government will renew the area's pipes and gutters to tightly control what flows into the ocean. It will also step up efforts in ocean sanitation by expanding the area covered.

With facilities and the environment improving, the city has a better backdrop for its colorful oceanic events like regattas, sailing competitions and beachside cultural festivals, local officials said.

The bureau is also working on building a marine museum and a marine culture plaza.

Xiamen Ocean Week, an annual event showcasing the city's latest developments in the marine industry, has attracted attention from around the world. This year, the event will focus on the marine economy to seal more deals for the charming coastal city.

fuchao@chinadaily.com.cn