The construction of the marine ranch in Wuzhizhou has effectively supplemented fish as an essential element required to uphold the delicate balance of the region's ecosystems, consequently improving the health of coral reefs, he said.

Despite the positive progress in Wuzhizhou, Zhang Yuyang, an associate professor with the South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, said there remains a generally grim situation for coral reefs because of global warming, which has resulted in coral bleaching.

In total, the institute has planted over 300,000 coral fragments in the waters around Xisha and Nansha islands and near Hainan Island, the expert said.

Though over 5 hectares of coral reef have been restored in Wuzhizhou, that represents no more than 1 percent of the total area that needs to be restored. "Generally, the restored area is significantly smaller in scale than the area that still requires restoration," Zhang said.

"The situation is grim with no good solution at the moment," he added.

According to a release from the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and International Coral Reef Initiative in April, the world was experiencing its fourth global coral bleaching event, the second in the last 10 years.

"From February 2023 to April 2024, significant coral bleaching has been documented in both the northern and southern hemispheres of each major ocean basin," Derek Manzello, coordinator with NOAA's Coral Reef Watch, was quoted as saying in the release.

The mass bleaching of coral reefs since early 2023 has been confirmed in at least 53 countries, territories and local economies, the release added.

Zhang emphasized that the advancements in coral restoration in Wuzhizhou underscore the potential for safeguarding a genetic resource site amid challenges caused by climate change.

"The crucial importance of coral restoration is in maintaining a robust genetic habitat for deteriorating coral reefs. If all coral reefs degrade with no healthy ones left, then there will be not even a glimmer of hope for any potential recovery," he said.

But the glimmer of hope in Wuzhizhou could potentially grow even brighter, thanks to consistent efforts by the resort and Wang Fengguo.

According to Wang Fengguo, the resort plans to invest 20 million yuan a year in the coming five years to promote the construction of the marine ranch's second phase.

Working in the ocean poses inherent risks. He and his colleagues often suffer cuts and bruises during coral transplanting operations that often last for 3 to 4 hours. Due to prolonged periods underwater, he also experiences severe eczema.

Despite the challenges, Wang Fengguo remains dedicated to his mission as he approaches his 20th year in Wuzhizhou.

"This work is meaningful," he said. "Our work is for future generations. We might not see all the benefits now, but we are laying the foundation for a healthier ocean."

houliqiang@chinadaily.com.cn