Abstract: The management evaluation system of sea-related nature reserves was established and the management effectiveness evaluation of 31 sea-related nature reserves in the Pearl River Estuary was carried out. The evaluation results showed that the overall score was low and the scores of protected areas under different classifications were significantly different. The management of White Dolphin nature reserves was better than that of mangrove and island nature reserves, that of the national and provincial nature reserves was higher than those of cities and counties; and that of the Hong Kong and Macao nature reserves was higher than that in Guangdong Province. The analysis of management evaluation factors showed that the score of management foundation wass high and the score of management progress was low. Overall, clear scope boundary, uncontested natural resource property rights, and scientific and reasonable planning were the basis for the construction and management of the Pearl River Estuary sea-related nature reserve.