Recently, the Specification for Intertidal Zone Survey (standard No. GB/T 42639-2023) led by the SIO passed the review of the State Administration for Market Regulation (the Standardization Administration of China) and was officially released, and it will be implemented on September 1, 2023. This standard fills the gap of the standard for multidisciplinary comprehensive survey of resources and environment in intertidal zones in China.

The intertidal zone is a sea water covered area between average high and low tides. It is the main component of coastal wetland that has diverse types, rich resources and other characteristics, and is a hot area for industrial and economic development in coastal areas. In recent years, with the implementation of the maritime power strategy and the deepening of the reform of the natural resource assets management system, a series of problems are discovered, including unclear natural resource asset base, weak resource protection, extensive development and utilization, and serious ecological degradation, and the development, protection and management of intertidal zones are facing new situations and new demands.

In the past 20 years, the Coastal Zone and Island Research Center of the SIO has presided over and participated in the Comprehensive Survey and Evaluation of China’s Offshore Ocean, the Second National Comprehensive Survey of Island Resources (Pilot Survey) and other special projects of coastal zone and island comprehensive survey. In 2017, the compilation group of the Specification for Intertidal Zone Survey was established to standardize various elements, methods and technologies involved in intertidal zone survey on the basis of previous work, solicit opinions from the industry, and carry out on-site verification using multiple provincial-level or above projects. After 6 years of revision and improvement, the Specification was completed and submitted for approval by the end of 2022.

The Specification for Intertidal Zone Survey fully draws on the latest standards of various subject fields, takes into account the regional characteristics of intertidal zone, and considers the application of new technologies in the survey process. It stipulates the basic elements, methods and technical requirements for the survey of intertidal zone type and distribution, topography, hydrology, sediment, biology and other contents. Its contents are consistent with the relevant guidelines, policies, laws and regulations of the state and the industry, and have continuity. The Specification applies to the comprehensive survey of basic elements of intertidal zone resources and environment, and can be a reference for relevant professional and special investigations.

The implementation of the Specification for Intertidal Zone Survey can provide technical support for intertidal zone survey and ensure the applicability and reliability of the obtained data, thus providing technical guarantee for the reasonable development and comprehensive management of intertidal zones in China, which has important social, economic and environmental benefits.