China on Thursday published a regulation on penalties for wrongdoing in managing the country's seas, saying those who violated the rules could lose their jobs.

The regulation, jointly issued by five government and Communist Party of China (CPC) departments, including the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) and the State Oceanic Administration, takes effect as of April 1.

It aimed to regulate activities on oceanic development, improve management levels, punish malpractice and ensure a sound and rapid development of the marine economy, said Qu Wanxiang, the Supervision Ministry vice minister.

Among the areas targeted are negligence of duty of personnel in marine administrative institutions and misusing power to seek personal gain, such as in approvals of marine projects that may affect marine resources and the environment, according to the regulation.

Those found in violation would be reprimanded, demoted, removed from their posts or expelled from the relevant institutions.

"The regulation should be strictly observed," Qu said. "No matter who is involved in the violations, they should be strictly dealt with."

According to the United Nations maritime treaty, China governs about 3 million square kilometers of sea area.

The rapid economic growth of coastal areas and the tightened control on the country's land use in recent years have incited some local authorities to approve illegal projects for sea reclamation and enclosure.

Reckless reclamation of sea land had harmed aquatic resources, the marine environment and exacerbated sea disasters, according to experts.

(Xinhua News Agency March 28, 2008)