Assessing the health of Beibu gulf rim, coastal South China Sea, with a scale application of the ocean health index

Health of Beibu gulf rim of coastal South China Sea was assessed with a scale application of the ocean health index (OHI).The results showed that the overall region ocean health scored 61.3.Highest scoring goals included clean waters (92.5) and natural products (85.6).Medium scoring goals included sense of place (78.9) and tourism and recreation (76.6).However, six goals included food provision, artisanal fishing opportunities, carbon storage, coastal protection, coastal livelihoods and economies and biodiversity scored lower than 60, which the lowest scoring goal was artisanal fishing opportunities (39.3).The results suggested that ocean health of the overall Beibu gulf rim, coastal South China sea was poor.In particular, the government should take more measures to protect and manage the six goals scored lower than 60.