Seas along China's coastline rose an average of 2.9 millimeters  annually between 1980 to 2012, leading to more marine disasters, the State Oceanic Administration (SOA) said.

According to a report released by the SOA on Tuesday, sea levels along the coast in 2012 were 53 millimeters higher than the year before.

The increase in levels has posed serious threats to low-lying islets, which are likely to be submerged if trend of rising sea levels continues. The rising level has also increased damage caused by marine disasters, including storm surges and coastal erosion.