The southern Chinese island province of Hainan has banned the processing and sale of coral and giant clam in a bid to protect the marine ecosystem.

A regulation on the species' protection came into effect this month in Hainan.

Hainan Provincial Department for Industry and Commerce said that 160 processors and 829 sellers in the province have withdrawn from the business.

Local industry and commerce authorities have begun to inspect various markets across the province.

"We have requested e-commerce sites like Taobao to remove giant clam sellers," said Feng Xuri, an official with Qionghai municipal department for industry and commerce.

Feng said he hoped that online marketplaces could help stop the sale of giant clam, shell turtle, red coral and conch.

Li Shibing, an official with Tanmen industrial zone in Qionghai, said all processors in the zone have been shut down.

The provincial department for industry and commerce said it would continue to launch regular market inspections to make sure the business is fully stopped.

(Xinhua News Agency January 17, 2017)