DEPD model for evaluating marine ranching ecological security and its application in Shandong, China

Abstract

As an ecological fishery enhancement mode, marine ranching can conserve fishery resources and restore degraded marine environments. However, research on marine ranching ecological security (MRES) is nascent, and the few studies evaluating MRES are relatively subjective. To fill this gap and objectively evaluate MRES, this study constructed a model (abbreviated DEPD) that combined four methods: driver-pressure-state-impact-response (DPSIR), entropy weight method (EWM), path analysis (PA), and decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL). DPSIR was used to construct an evaluation index system and provide the possible influence relationships of MRES. EWM was used to determine the index weight in each DPSIR element while PA examined the possible influence relationships and determined the effective influence mechanism. DEMATEL was used to determine the weights of five elements considering the direct and indirect effects between them in the DPSIR framework. The established DEPD model was then applied to 20 marine ranching enterprises in Shandong, China. The results showed that 20% of the enterprises were at the level of “most secure,” 10% “relatively secure,” and 70% “least secure.” Although the MRES of national enterprises is better than that of provincial ones, the overall performance is low and needs improvement.