Photo: ABC

The Chinese economic boom has been seriously damaging the habitats of coral reefs in the East Sea, said a report published in Conservation Biology magazine of Australia Thursday. Coral reefs in the East Sea stretching over an area of 30,000 square km are being seriously damaged and have ‘alarmingly’ declined, according to the latest research conducted by Australian oceanographers. The research points a finger at out the development and pollution in the coastal area, indiscriminate fishing, and the overheated economic development of China as the main causes of the problem. After more than 30 years aimed at economic development, China now has to bear the environmental consequences, such as air pollution, water pollution, and soil pollution. Australian scientists warn that the possibility of rehabilitating the coral reefs is becoming fainter due to human caused environmental damage.