BEIJING- China's marine economy maintained strong momentum in 2014, with the sector's gross output growing 7.6 percent year-on-year to six trillion yuan (about $958.7 billion), data from the State Oceanic Administration (SOA) showed on Monday.

Wang Hong, head of the SOA, said ship manufacturing recovered and posted growth last year, while fishing conditions were improved.

Wang told a national conference that environmental protection was also strengthened in 2014.

The SOA will further enhance protection by regular monitoring of bays that were heavily polluted, the official said.

The marine economy has been growing steadily in recent years. In 2013, gross output surged 7.6 percent year on year to 5.4 trillion yuan.