Development of China's Distant-Water Fisheries

White Paper

Development of China's Distant-Water Fisheries

(October 2023)

The State Council Information Office of
the People's Republic of China

Development of China's Distant-Water Fisheries

Contents

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Sustainable utilization of the ocean is essential to the survival and development of humanity. China was one of the first countries to utilize the ocean's resources. More than 4,000 years ago, people in coastal areas of China werealready living off the sea and fishing and had started exploring the ocean and utilizing its resources along with the people of other countries.

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I. High-Quality Development of China's DWF Sector

DWF is an important part of China's fishing industry. Based on win-win cooperation, security, stability, green and sustainable development, China has expanded international exchanges, conducted mutually beneficial cooperation through multiple channels and in multiple forms, kept to the path of high-quality development of the industry, and contributed to the development of the global DWF industry and the supply of aquatic products.

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II. Coordinating Resource Conservation and Sustainable Use

China puts equal emphasis on the protection and development of fisheries resources, and takes key measures such as voluntary moratoria on the high seas. It continuously strengthens fisheries resource conservation and management of the ecosystem, and pays close attention to climate change and biodiversity conservation. It has achieved remarkable results in promoting long-term sustainable use of fisheries resources.

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III. Fulfilling the Flag State Duties in All Respects

As a responsible fishing nation, China strictly observes the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and other multilateral agreements on fisheries it has joined. It performs its duties as a flag state in terms of the controls over total output and the number of fishing vessels, data collection and reporting, national fisheries observer program, etc., producing positive outcomes.

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IV. Strictly Regulating the DWF Sector

China executes the world's strictest management measures and regulations to monitor and position distant-water fishing vessels, and adopts a "zero tolerance" attitude towards illegal fishing. By reinforcing monitoring and management mechanisms and capabilities, China has made notable progress on critical issues and in priority areas.

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V. Reinforcing Scientific and Technological Support for the DWF Sector

China engages in scientific surveys of high seas fisheries resources, participates in research initiatives led by RFMOs, and progressively upgrades fishing vessels and equipment. These efforts reflect China's commitment to scientific and technological innovation, transformation and upgrading, and high-quality development and efficiency in the fishing sector.

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VI. Ensuring Safety in the DWF Sector

China continues to upgrade its distant-water fishing infrastructure focusing on safety, eco-friendliness, sustainability, and worker protection. It is bringing the size of its distant-water fishing fleet under control. Vessel safety and the living environment of crews are being steadily improved.

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VII. Increasing International Cooperation on Fisheries

The sustainability of fisheries resources is currently threatened by climate and environmental change, creating new trends in cross-regional distribution, mobility, and migrations. International cooperation on fisheries management must therefore be strengthened.

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Accessing the deepest oceans is the only way for humanity to better explore and protect the sea and use its resources. China will adhere to the philosophy of innovative, coordinated, green, open and shared development, carry out its Global Development Initiative, increase bilateral and multilateral fisheries cooperation and dialogue in accordance with relevant international laws and bilateral cooperation agreements, promote high-quality development of the DWF sector, increase its ability to implement international fisheries treaties and conservation and management measures, and meet those international obligations that are consistent with its development.