JINAN, March 23 (Xinhua) -- The coastline of east China's Shandong province has become longer due to silt build up, according to the latest statistics released by the provincial ocean and fishery department Wednesday.

　　A geological survey launched by the department since 2003 sh owed that the coastline of Shandong has increased by 62.33 kilometers to more than 3,162 kilometers, which accounts for one sixth of the country's total.

　　The extension of coastline was resultant from the expansion of the Yellow River Delta Wetland, which is located at the city of Dongying, according to the Shandong provincial ocean and fishery department.

　　It is good news for the ecology of the wetland, a major habitat for wild birds and fish in China, said an official with the department.

　　The Yellow River, China's second longest, carries 1.6 billion tons of silt into the lower reaches every year, enabling the Yellow River Delta to continue to expand.

　　In 2005 alone, at least 1,330 hectares of new wetland were formed at the Delta, pushing the coastal line more than 1.6 km into the sea. Enditem