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Population increases and poor economic growth are underlying factors leading to the deterioration of the marine environment in many developing countries. In this article, the relationship between marine pollution and growth in PR China is analysed as a case study. Priority must be given to the resolution of existing marine environmental problems, but it is recognized that development policies and supporting strategies are required which ensure the sustainable use of the ocean and its resources while taking national and local social and economic needs into consideration.

This article reviews and examines the present management structures, legal regime and institutional constraints applicable to the management of China's coastal zone. It reviews the problems besetting the drafting and implementation of the state coastal zone management law in some detail. Some lessons are drawn from this experience and suggestions are offered to improve the current management regime.

The horizonal, vertical distributions and trends of oil pollution in the water column of the Bohai Sea (North China Sea) have been investigated. Horizonal distribution patterns depend on the circulation of the Bohai Sea and pollution sources. Lack of significant changes of oil concentration with depth is probably because of the shallowness of the Sea. However, the slight difference in oil concentration between surface and bottom suggests one important mechanism removing oil pollution from the surface in the Bohai Sea. The oil concentration has been decreasing since 1977. The average concentration has reached a steady level of 13 ppb.

A general review of the historical development of legislation on matters relating to marine pollution in China is presented. Recently-enacted laws are suggested to provide a sound basis for reversing the previous trend of deteriorating coastal water quality, and for ensuring adequate protection of marine resources in the future. However, additional detailed regulations are necessary to strengthen the existing Marine Environment Law, and the successful implementation of the present laws remains as the greatest task.