BEIJING - The State Oceanic Administration (SOA) said on Thursday that coastal districts that intend to launch new projects should ensure that no additional pollution is caused by the developments.

They should never let waste water be directly released into the sea untreated, it said in a statement.

It cited a circular released recently by the SOA saying that for any proposed project, effective measures designed for the goal of zero pollution must be detailed in its marine environment impact report, otherwise the proposal won't be approved.