Dynamic evolution analysis of recreational fisheries development in China. (19th March 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ding, Qi; Shan, Xiujuan; Jin, Xianshi; Gorfine, Harry; Wang, Yali
• Is Part Of: Fisheries management and ecology. Volume 28:Number 4(2021)
• Page Start: 305
• Page End: 316
• Publication Date: 2021-03-19
• Subjects: Gini coefficient -- Kernel density estimate -- regional difference -- Theil index; Fishery management -- Periodicals; Fishes -- Ecology -- Periodicals; Fishes -- Conservation -- Periodicals; 639.2
• DOI: 10.1111/fme.12475
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0969-997X

Abstract

Abstract: Understanding the dynamic spatial distribution characteristics and evolving trends in recreational fisheries development is of great importance for formulating policy for responsibly managing recreational fisheries. However, regional economic differences among China's recreational fisheries have yet to be examined and quantified. In this study, a methodological approach applies a series of techniques, including Kernel density estimates, Gini coefficients and Theil indexes, to provide a comprehensive analysis of the dynamic distribution and evolution of recreational fisheries in China. Results showed that recreational fisheries in China have been developing rapidly since the early 21st Century. The total economic value of recreational fisheries in China increased from 5.4 billion Yuan in 2003 to 90.2 billion Yuan in 2018. However, there is a serious imbalance of development of recreational fisheries between regions. Specifically, the combined economic value of recreational fisheries in the main provinces of Shandong, Hubei and Guangdong accounted for 53.4% of recreational value for the whole country, whereas the combined contribution for the bottom 20 of the 31 provinces in the country together accounted for only 10.1%. Analysis of temporal variation at four points in time by kernel density estimation revealed that the development of recreational fisheries exhibited a polarised tendency both among the provinces within the eastern, central and western regions and among the 31 provinces of China. Based on the results of the Theil index decomposition, the overall differences in China's recreational fisheries economy mostly came from differences within each region, which accounted for over 90% of the overall difference. This study provided a means to understand and visualise how key dimensions of recreational fisheries development vary within each region and within the 31 provinces of China, and provides a basis for making short‐term and long‐term policies aimed at promoting coordinated and sustainable development of recreational fisheries in China.