Bohai Bay oil exploration supervision to be boosted

China will strengthen supervision of offshore oil exploration in Bohai Bay through various measures including radar, satellite and marine patrols to detect environmental problems quickly, according to Wang Fei, deputy director of the State Oceanic Administration.

Wang said marine pollution in the bay has worsened in recent years due to booming energy and resources development. The administration needs to improve supervision of the bay, improve the emergency plan for oil spills, and increase public transparency, Wang said.

Earlier this month, fishermen in Shandong province noticed oil slicks in the bay, but an investigation by the North China Sea Branch under the administration detected no oil spill, after offshore patrols, use of satellite images and sample tests.

Wang Zhongguo, a Shandong fisherman, applied to the administration for oil samples he took on April 16 to be retested.

The administration asked for the sample to be retested, with a key laboratory receiving it on Friday and saying the result will be released soon.