China strengthens judicial protection of marine environment

BEIJING, Jan. 5 (Xinhua) -- China's Supreme People's Court has released a regulation to standardize criteria for judging cases related to compensation disputes over marine natural resources and environmental damage.

Courts should publicize the handling of a case within five days of a case being filed, according to the regulation.

"If marine environment supervisors require polluters to assume civil liabilities, including preventing damage, restoring the environment to its original condition and making compensation, courts should judge on the polluters to make them fulfil their liabilities," the regulation said.

Compensation for marine natural resources and environmental damage includes expenses for preventive measures, restoration, loss during restoration, investigation and assessment, according to the regulation. Enditem