The Yellow River Estuary Migratory Bird Habitat in Dongying is included as Shandong's first World Natural Heritage site. [Photo/IC]

In 2024, Shandong achieved an expected marine-related output of 1.8 trillion yuan ($248.3 billion), solidifying its rank as the nation's second-largest contributor to economic growth, with a share exceeding 20 percent. The region's marine fisheries, aquaculture processing, and marine mining have the highest value-added in the nation.

In recent years, Shandong has adhered to a systematic approach, actively constructing a comprehensive governance framework from its mountains to the sea.

The establishment of the Yellow River Estuary National Park is nearing completion, the construction plan for Changdao Island National Park has passed the review of the National Forestry and Grassland Administration, and the Yellow River Estuary Migratory Bird Habitat has been included as Shandong's first World Natural Heritage site. Dongying and Jining have been named international wetland cities, while Rizhao's Yangguang coast greenway stands as a typical case of national marine ecological preservation and restoration.

Shandong boasts a coastline of 3,505 kilometers, approximately one-sixth of the national total, and an adjacent sea area of 158,600 square kilometers, equivalent to its land area.

In October, Shandong held a high-level conference on advancing the marine economy's high-quality development, laying out plans for a maritime powerhouse and modern marine economic hub to propel the province's marine sector to greater achievements.

According to Shandong's development plan, it aims to achieve a marine GDP of 2 trillion yuan by 2027. By 2035, Shandong strives to become a modern maritime powerhouse known for its advanced marine economy, leading marine technology, beautiful marine ecological environment, prosperous marine culture, and efficient marine governance.