Xiamen, a port city in Fujian province, plans to establish a credit system for high-risk marine companies to protect the fragile marine environment, China Ocean News reported on Monday.

Wang Chunsheng, deputy director of the Xiamen Ocean and Fisheries Bureau, said that high-risk marine companies refers to potential polluters, such as chemical and oil companies.

He added that potential polluters will be under a long-term monitoring list.

If the listed companies achieve a good reputation in environmental protection matters, preferential policies will be given, while companies that don't follow the rules will face harsh punishment and limits in the approval of future projects.

According to Xiamen authorities, there are about 500 marine companies in the area.

Xiamen will become the first city to set up the credit system.?