Abstract:Known as an important Earth's critical zone, the coastal zone is dramatically influenced by the anthropogenic activities. The coastal zone holds important strategic position due to its close relationship with the development of human society. In recent years, the coastal areas in China have been polluted with varying degrees to affect the development of these regions. This paper focuses on the current situation of coastal zone pollution in China including pollutant distribution in different coastal media, pollution causes, international coastal management practices, and the pollution prevention and treatment measures. This paper aims at providing feasible and effective ideas on the environmental protection and management policy making for the coastal zone in China.