Shellfish Off China's Water Suffering from Polluted marine Environment

BEIJING -- The State Oceanic Administration (SOA) announced on Thursday that shellfish from waters off the mainland's shores are now more toxic as more and more pollutants including heavy metals and oil have caused significant damage to the marine environment.

The SOA's annual report on the oceanic environment revealed that approximately 147,000 sq km of ocean failed to meet the standard for clear water in 2009. The affected area represents a 7.3 increase than the previous year's.

The report said that most shellfish in offshore areas were found to contain high levels of harmful chemicals such as cadmium, lead and DDT, a common pesticide used in China.

Tests were conducted and the results showed that the lead detected in shellfish was 50 percent higher than standard levels, while cadmium and DDT levels were found to be about 40 percent higher.