Protection of the littoral wetland in Northern China: Ecological and environmental characteristics

The littoral wetland in northern China refers to the coastal area on the north of the Yangtze River, including the beaches as well as the estuary wetlands of some large rivers. The total area of the northern littoral wetland amounts to 2.1 mill. ha. The littoral wetland area is particularly rich in biological resources and is an important land area. With its high primary production, the wetland offers a variety of habitats for birds, crabs, shellfish, and other animals, including a number of rare species. The littoral wetland is a vulnerable ecosystem. Due to intensive human activities, the natural environment has been greatly changed, especially in the Yellow and Liaohe River deltas, as a result of oil exploitation and wasteland cultivation. However, wetland can with care be used as a purification field for oil pollutants.