Echo Hu / Shanghai Daily news

Shanghai will take measures to preserve and further explore the 19 uninhabited islands which scatter across the sea near the city, according to the newly-released 11th five-year plan on the economic development of sea.

Measures vary from banning these islands from being leased out to identifying each island by a single name.

Covering a total area of 226.27-square-kilometers, the islands cover a coast line area of 309.54 kilometers. Most of them have unique geographic features and rich natural resources. Among them are Jinshan Island, a natural reserve for sea creatures, and Jiuduansha Wetland Nature Reserve, home to Asian and European migrant birds. 

Scientific research has already been conducted on these islands, and a scientific research pier has been built on Jinshan Island. However, experts pointed out that comprehensive research should be carried out after the full evaluations on the resources and environmental condition of the islands to avoid damaging them.