Marine scientists from around the world Saturday called for the protection of marine organisms to maintain the balance of marine ecosystems and reduce damage by typhoons and other disasters to coastal cities.

Su Jilan, an academician of Chinese Academy of Sciences, said in a speech that the habitats of some marine organisms, such as coral reefs and mangroves, were being affected by the unplanned exploitation in offshore areas.

"Over-exploitation could destroy the living environment of marine life and endanger coastal cities during typhoons or storm surges," Su said.

Coral reefs and mangroves could help resist marine disasters and reduce damage. Coral reefs are underwater structures made from calcium carbonate secreted by coral and mangroves grow in saline coastal habitats in the tropics and subtropics.

Some countries, such as the United States, had passed laws to protect such environments. In China, obvious progress was made in Qingdao, a coastal city in eastern Shandong Province, Su said.

A work report published on the Environmental Protection Ministry website on Aug. 30 showed the municipal government of Qingdao had made emergency plans and conducted pollutant discharge examinations for offshore enterprises and industrial parks to protect city's offshore marine ecosystem.

The conference, with the title "Oceans, Climate Change and Sustainable Development: Challenges to Oceans and Coastal Cities," was organized by the State Oceanic Administration of China, the International Ocean Institute, and the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.

It is the second time the conference has been held in Beijing. The first was the 24th conference in November 1996. (Xinhua)