BEIJING — The China Coast Guard (CCG) will keep a closer eye on the country's coastal areas to ensure the enforcement of the summer fishing ban starting from May 1, the CCG said in a statement on April 27.

The CCG as well as the agricultural and police authorities will step up maritime patrols to strengthen scrutiny over fishing boats and key waters, the statement added.

The authorities plan to make better use of monitoring technologies in the process, the statement said, noting that relevant departments will enhance consultation, coordination and information sharing with one another.

The fishing ban, which will come into force from May 1, covers the Bohai Sea, the Yellow Sea, the East China Sea, and the waters north of 12 degrees north latitude in the South China Sea.

It is part of China's efforts to protect marine fishery resources.

The enforcement actions will last through Sept 16, according to the CCG.