The Guangdong government expects the province's ocean economy to generate an annual output of 1.5 trillion yuan ($236 billion) by 2015.

The provincial government on Aug 20 released five documents for public consultation on harnessing the province's marine resources, including sea-related industries, technology, tourism and ecological protection projects, the Nanfang Daily reported on Aug 21.

The five documents list 177 key construction projects, with a combined investment of 1 trillion yuan.

Last year, Guangdong was listed as a comprehensive experimental zone to develop the marine economy.

The province's ocean economy generated 980.7 billion yuan last year, which was 21.5 percent of the national total.

More than 17 percent of that figure came from oil and gas development and mining, and 30 percent from tourism.