HANGZHOU -- Senior lawmaker Wang Chen has stressed the importance of using the "most strict systems and measures" to protect the marine environment.

Wang, vice chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, made the remarks during an inspection tour examining enforcement of the marine environmental protection law in eastern China's Zhejiang Province from Oct. 11 to 14.

He praised the accomplishments the province has achieved in ocean protection over the past few years.

Wang pointed out that Zhejiang has the longest coastline and most islands in China and is prosperous and wealthy because of the ocean.

"We must realize that lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets and act on this understanding," he said.

The inspection team, led by Wang, listened to law enforcement reports, visited Hangzhou, Jiaxing and Ningbo, and inspected the managing and monitoring system of sea sewage outlets, maritime emergency systems, wetland conservation and restoration, and wastewater systems in rural areas.