A view of a marine ranch in Zhoushan, East China's Zhejiang province. [Photo/Zhoushan daily] 

Four nature reserves in Zhoushan, East China's Zhejiang province have been listed among key provincial wetlands, according to an announcement by the People's Government of Zhejiang Province on Jan 3. 

The four nature reserves are Dinghai district's Wuzhishan Island Nature Reserve, Putuo district's Taohua Island Wetland Park, Daishan county's Xiushan Island Nature Reserve and Shengsi county's Ma'an Archipelago Marine Protected Area. 

The 500-hectare Wuzhishan Island Nature Reserve is currently home to 51 birds, including the Chinese crested tern which is listed as a critically endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. 

The 1,493-mu (99.53 hectares) Taohua Island Wetland Park is a habitat for herons and egrets.

The 485.73-hectare Xiushan Island Nature Reserve is now home to more than 100 bird species, including Oriental white storks, goshawks and grass owls. 

Dubbed "a marine ranch", the 549-square-kilometer Ma'an Archipelago Marine Protected Area is presently home to 164 phytoplanktons, 118 seaweeds, 96 fish species, 42 zoobenthos, 34 shrimp and crab species as well as 27 zooplanktons. 

Zhoushan's wetland protection efforts have played a significant role in conserving marine biodiversity and developing green marine economy, said local authorities.