HAIKOU - Hainan's meteorological bureau said Saturday it had started issuing weather forecasts for two islands and one reef in the South China Sea.

The bureau in the southern island province said it started forecasts for Yongxing and Huangyan islands as well as Yongshu Reef on May 16.

The South China Sea is a marine thoroughfare with abundant fishery resources and offshore oil and gas resources. It is also a marine meteorological disasters-prone area with frequent typhoons, sea fog, rainstorms and heavy winds.

It is important to improve weather forecasts for the South China Sea to help ensure the safety of the passing vessels and offshore production, said Cai Qinbo, director with the Hainan provincial meteorological station.