BEIJING -- China's ocean technology lags 10 years behind developed countries, especially in exploration and engineering, according to a study released Thursday.

The study of China's ocean engineering, science and technology was initiated in 2011 with over 40 members of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE) taking part in the study.

The CAE's Tang Qisheng said ocean economy has become a new growth pole. Ocean engineering, science and technology can support energy, mining, tourism and other industries.

According to official statistics, China's total ocean product was almost 6 trillion yuan ($968 billion) in 2014, up 7.7 percent year-on-year and about 9.4 percent of its GDP.