Haikou is the capital of Hainan, China's southernmost province. It has a total coastline of 136 km and hosts key marine ecosystems such as mangroves found in 40% of its coastline. Intertidal flat, another coastal habitat type, is developing at a rapid rate with economic growth at 9.5 percent in recent years and population growth to over 2 million. The marine economy contributes to over 20 percent of GDP of the city, with coastal tourism contributing to about 60 percent of marine economy, followed by ocean engineering, marine fishery and aquaculture, shipping and marine chemicals. It is also home to three important ports. Pollution from land-based sources, overfishing, natural disasters such as typhoon and storm surges threaten the health of the Haikou coast and sustainability of marine economy. The designation by national government of Hainan as the "International Tourist Island" provides Haikou with new opportunities for addressing threats to marine ecosystem.
