Environmental Regulation, Technological Innovation and Development of Marine Fisheries—Evidence from Ten Coastal Regions in China

Yutong Li,Jianyue Ji,Jiaojiao Kong

doi:10.3390/fishes7010020

Abstract

This study aims to examine the relationship between environmental regulation, technological innovation and the development of China’s marine fisheries. We make a theoretical overview of the relationship between environmental regulation, technological innovation and the development of marine fisheries. Using data from 10 coastal regions of China, we calculate the comprehensive development level of China’s marine fisheries in each region from 2009 to 2018 through the entropy method. Then, we use a double logit model to analyze the effects of environmental regulation and technological innovation on the development level of China’s marine fisheries, and further test the mediating effect of technological innovation. The results show that environmental regulations have a “U-shaped” effect on the development of China’s marine fisheries. Moreover, technological innovation is crucial in promoting the development of China’s marine fisheries. Further, we identify the mediating role of technological innovation, that is, environmental regulation affects the development of China’s marine fisheries by influencing technological innovation. These findings offer theoretical support for the development of China’s marine fisheries.

Highlights

Marine fisheries, as the primary form of developing and utilizing marine biological resources, play an essential part in the ocean economy
This study examines the relationship among environmental regulation, technological innovation and the development of marine fisheries in China
At the 95% significance level, the impact of environmental regulations on the development of China’s marine fisheries follows a “U-shaped” pattern, that is, as the level of environmental regulations increases, they first inhibit and promote development of China’s marine fisheries

Summary

Introduction

As the primary form of developing and utilizing marine biological resources, play an essential part in the ocean economy. Fishery resources provide 40% of the protein supply for two-thirds of the world’s population, making it a vital source of human food [1]. China has a vast coastline stretched for 32,000 km, out of which the mainland coastline amounts to 18,000 km, indicating her remarkable competitive strength in fishery resources. In recent years, the expanded population and the advanced fishing techniques have accelerated the needs and the exploitation of marine resources in China. Ocean pollution has been aggravated, seriously impacting the richness of marine resources and the marine environment. The depletion of fishery resources and the deterioration of the eco-environment of certain coastal waters have become severe constraints holding up the sustainable development of marine fisheries. China’s marine fisheries urgently need to change from a high-speed growth stage to a high-quality development stage

Objectives

Results

Discussion

Conclusion