NANNING, March 30 (Xinhua) -- More than 10 whales have appeared in the Beibu Gulf in south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region as a result of improved marine ecological environment, according to local fishery authorities and fishermen.

"I saw a group of whales surface for about 15 minutes on Wednesday when I went out to sea with several tourists," said fisherman Deng Keshun.

"Whales had appeared in Weizhou Island for more than one month this year. I even saw more than 10 whales surface just hundreds of meters away from my boat," Deng said.

Local tourism authorities also shot three videos showing several whales in the region.

Local fishery authorities have enhanced measures in recent years to crack down on illegal fishing and improve the marine environment.

The species are under state protection in China.