From Hainan: Diving couple witness life and death of coral

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In today's part of our China on the Move series, Liu Ming takes us to the southernmost Hainan province to check out efforts to protect the environment. Hainan is famous for its marine wildlife. But the past decade, has seen development and pollution damaging local coral. One couple has spent the last few years documenting changes they have seen on the southern coast of Hainan. Ma Xiaogang and Fang Yanni recount their experiences from 1997 to 2006.

Diving started as a hobby for Ma and Fang but soon turned into a responsibility.

Ma Xiaogang, dirver, said, "We came to Hainan because we love the ocean. After diving for the first time, we began diving lessons because we were moved by the ocean wildlife. Shortly after, we started noticing damage to the corals. We decided to record it."

Fang Yanni, diver, said, "We have dived on a regular basis during those ten years. When we first arrived in Hainan in the early 90s, we saw a tall stele on the beach. But in five years, it was submerged halfway. Marine experts told us it was because of damage to the corals. What's more surprising is that local residents were the ones causing the damage. So we want to call on people to protect the corals."

The couple and other divers began educating people on protecting the remaining corals.