Opportunity for marine fisheries reform in China

• DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1616583114
• Publication Date: 2017-01-17T21:21:10Z
• Authors: Ling Cao; Yong Chen; Shuanglin Dong; Arthur Hanson; Bo Huang; Duncan Leadbitter; David C. Little; Ellen K. Pikitch; Yongsong Qiu; Yvonne Sadovy de ...; Ussif Rashid Sumaila; Meryl Williams; Guifang Xue; Yimin Ye; Wenbo Zhang; Yingqi Zhou; Ping Zhuang; Rosamond L. Naylor
• Keywords: Fisheries law; Marine conservation; Fisheries science; Exclusive economic zone

China’s 13th Five-Year Plan, launched in March 2016, provides a sound policy platform for the protection of marine ecosystems and restoration capture fisheries within exclusive economic zone. What distinguishes China among many other countries striving reform is its size—accounting almost one-fifth global catch volume—and unique cultural context resource management. In this paper, we trace history Chinese government priorities, policies, outcomes related to since 1978 Economic Reform, examine how current leadership’s agenda “ecological civilization” could successfully transform management coming years. We show China, like countries, has experienced decline average trophic level during past few decades, design, implementation, enforcement have influenced status wild fish stocks. To reverse trend declining stocks, introducing series new programs sustainable aquaculture, with greater traceability accountability area controls on coastal development. As impressive as these plans are conclude that serious institutional reforms will be needed achieve true paradigm shift China. particular, recommend institutions science-based management, secure fishing access, consistency across provinces, educational managers, increasing public access scientific data.