The support ship "Xiangyanghong 09" of China's deep-sea manned submersible Jiaolong, is seen on a research mission on Jan 29, 2015. [Photo: Xinhua]

China's top legislature has passed the country's first law on deep sea resource exploration.

The new law aims to protect the maritime environments and ensure sustainable exploitation of natual resources.

Zhai Yong with the Environmental Protection and Resources Conservation Committee of China's National People's Congress, says the new legislation supports international cooperation in the areas of the exploration, exploitation and surveying of deep sea resources.

"As a signatory to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, the legislation showed China's responsible role and effective regulation in the deep seafloor exploration. Also, we need to protect the legal rights, property and personal safety of the deep sea contractors."

The law stipulates that potential deep seabed prospectors must submit their plans to the Chinese maritime watchdog, including environmental impact assessments.

Yue Zhongming with the NPC's Legislative Affairs Commission, says the law mandates that contractors protect the maritime ecosystem during exploration.

"The law will supervise the contractors to explore in a proper and feasible range by using advanced technology and taking measures to prevent pollution or other damages to the maritime ecosystem and preserve the biodiversity."

The law also supports enterprises involved in deep sea technology research and deep sea equipment.

The legislation will come into effect on May 1st this year.