Tropical biological coasts are ecologically critical areas with high concentration of biological activities, which is of special value to the biodiversity and resource productivity of coastal zone. The rapid environmental fluctuation and enhanced human ctivities
in the Anthropocene have risked the ecological security and sustainable development of the coastal zone. This paper mainly focuses on the research progress and ecological risks of the biological coasts, and proposes some suggestions on their protection and management, including: reinforcing national strategic planning to save energy, reduce emissions, strictly control the exploitation, and give priority to protection, thereby maintaining and enhancing natural resilience; improving the monitoring network while conducting a comprehensive survey; promoting scientific management to establish large offshore marine protected areas; and strengthening scientific research and personnel training. The national strategy of building a maritime power and the implementation of the island and reef engineering project in the South China Sea provide unprecedented opportunities for the study of coral reefs in China, with promising prospects.