An Analysis of Utilization Status and Management of Marine Fisheries Resources in China based on Statistics Data

According to the statistical data of marine fishing in China from 1987 to 2006, the utilization status of marine fisheries resources in China is analyzed in this paper. Besides, the impacts of fishing input factors on marine fishing output, fishery management policy and measures are also discussed. The result of statistical data analysis shows that: 1) After sustained increase during 1987~1998, the total marine fishing yield stopped increasing and maintained stable from 1999. The overall proportion structure of fish, crab and prawns, mollusk, alga of the total catch were stable and the proportion structure of main fish stock tended to be homogenized; 2) The total number of marine fishing motor vessels remained stable after 1997 while the number of professional labor force in fishing kept declining after 1998. The total main power and gross tonnage GTfor short) of marine fishing motor vessels continued with a minor increase in the ( past 20 years and the size of fishing motor vessels became larger; 3) The total main power and GT of marine fishing motor vessels were the main influencing factors to total marine fishing yield during 1987~1998, but the number of marine fishing motor vessels and the professional fishing labor force became main factors after 1999. The catch per unit effort CPUEfor short) of main ( power and the CPUE of GT of marine fishing motor vessels kept declining after 1998, while CPUE of professional fishing labor force and CPUE of vessel remain steady. Based on the above analysis, reconmmendations are given: 1) the marine fisheries resources stocks in China are fully exploited on the whole, and the fishing capacity is excessive. To reflect the utilization status of marine fisheries resources completely, it is necessary to conduct fishing statistics data analysis and biological investigation; 2) the current fishing input measures cannot control the fishing capacity in China effectively. Therefore, introduction of fishing gear control based on number control of fishing vessel are recommended, such as limiting fishing gear types, number and specification; 3) Regarding to the shortcomings of the fishery statistics system in China, reformation is necessary.