Current status and prospects of marine natural resource survey in China

Marine natural resources are an important guarantee for the national economy and social development, as well as a necessary foundation for the construction of maritime power and ecological civilization. In order to fully support the Ministry of Natural Resources in fulfilling its “two unifications” responsibilities, China Geological Survey has organized and implemented comprehensive surveys and evaluations of marine natural resources. And pilot demonstrations have been conducted for the comprehensive survey and evaluation of marine natural resources in key marine areas of China. Based on the marine natural resources comprehensive survey and evaluation data, and the additional investigation and evaluation results of marine geology, marine biology, physical oceanography, the authors identified the main characteristics of marine mineral resources, marine energy, marine biology, marine space, and other marine natural resources in China. By reviewing and summarizing the research progress of domestic and international natural resource systems, and based on the basic national conditions of China, the authors proposed a preliminary three-level classification system for marine natural resources involving multiple disciplines and categories. This classification system was guided by the theories of natural resource science and earth system science, in conjuction with the basic principle of comprehensive natural resource management, and with the natural attributes of resources and relevant national laws and regulations. Three methods for constructing standard systems for marine natural resource surveys have been proposed, from different perspectives such as classification systems, spatial stratification, and workflow. In the next step, efforts will be made to strengthen geological scientific and technological innovation capabilities, and accelerate the construction of a dynamic marine natural resource database. The public service level for marine natural resources will be rapidly improved, and the comprehensive monitoring system for marine natural resources will be further enhanced, promoting the high-quality development of marine natural resource work.