Evolution of deep‐sea fisheries policies in China: Review, performance and prospects

Abstract Deep‐sea fisheries policies promulgated by the Chinese government have contributed to healthy development of deep‐sea fisheries. Using content analysis, we explored the evolution of 159 deep‐sea fisheries policy documents enacted in China since 1979. These policies were divided into three periods: initial start‐up during 1979–2002, optimisation and adjustment during 2003–2016 and rapid development during 2017–2021. During the optimisation and adjustment period, deep‐sea aquaculture policies predominated (more than 80%) and policy focus shifted from deep‐sea fishing to deep‐sea aquaculture. Since then, policy power has intensified, and policy support modes evolved from single to diverse. Future deep‐sea fisheries policies should strengthen scientific and technological innovation support, build stakeholder interest consultation mechanisms, strengthen supervision of ecological impacts on surrounding sea areas and adhere to sustainable development goals.