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A special issue of Water (ISSN 2073-4441). This special issue belongs to the section "Oceans and Coastal Zones".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 10 February 2025 | Viewed by 11601

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Prof. Dr. Shuhong Wang

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Marine Economics and Management, Shandong University of Finance and Economics, Jinan, China
Interests: marine economics; environmental economics; marine ranching
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Dear Colleagues,

Developments in science and technology and the increasing scope of human activities have led to the gradual realization of the advantages of oceans in terms of their resources, environment, space, and strategy. Because of their ecological and economic value, marine resources have become a dynamic force for the survival and development of the human race (Zhao et al., 2014). Marine resources are not a single type of ecological resource; rather, they are a combination of economic, social, and ecological elements. In exploiting marine resources, we should not only consider economic objectives but must also evaluate the influence of this exploitation and utilization on the local natural environment. Additionally, the economic and environmental influences on society following the exploitation of marine resources should first be evaluated. Because of the dynamic nature of marine resource exploitation, marine materials or environmental factors that were previously neglected have become economically useful under the backdrop of technical progress and social development. However, although the breadth and depth of ocean development have continued to increase, the fundamental state of marine resources in China remains poor with low occupancy per capita and inefficient resource utilization.

China faces the dual problem of transforming its economy while ensuring sustainable economic and environmental development. Hence, unyielding demand for resources and resulting energy shortages are expected to foster restrictions on Chinese social development for some time. The impetus behind the development of marine resources has been increasing. Nevertheless, it remains difficult to meet the present resource consumption requirements. The traditional economic growth model in China, with high pollution, high consumption, and low profit, has caused significant damage to the environment (Song et al., 2013). Moreover, the low prices have meant that resources have been excessively exploited and wasted. If the exploitation and utilization of marine resources become as extensive, unrestrained, and unsustainable as those of land resources, irreversible damage will occur. Presently, the exploitation and utilization of marine resources is at an early stage. Resource shortages can be overcome by enhancing the protection of marine resources and by nurturing mutual relationships.

China is likely to become a marine power, thereby raising the position of the oceans to an unprecedented height. Improving the quality of economic growth in China while guaranteeing the sustainable development of marine ecology and resources has been a major subject of recent debate. Because the resources per capita are relatively poor, developing marine resources to improve the marine bearing capacity is a problem in need of an urgent solution.

Therefore, it is timely to link the marine bearing capacity and economic growth. We invite policy contributions to explore the contemporary issues for this Special Issue. We also encourage submissions on technological progress, biodiversity resource change, and so on. This Special Issue invites scholars and experts to contribute to a systematic and in-depth discussion.

Prof. Dr. Shuhong Wang
Guest Editor

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Keywords

marine bearing capacity
marine resources
economic growth
technology

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Marine Economic Development and Conservation in Water (13 articles)

Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

20 pages, 435 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Financial Mechanism for Sustainable Development of the Marine Economy with Respect to Technology, Digitalization, and Low Carbonization

by Sui Sun, Zhe Zhang and Mi Tan

Water 2024, 16(19), 2841; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16192841 - 7 Oct 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 783

Abstract

This study explores the impact of regional financial development on the sustainable growth of the marine economy across 14 coastal cities in Guangdong Province from 2004 to 2022. To assess this, a comprehensive index system was developed to measure marine economic sustainability, incorporating key factors such as capital investment, production efficiency, and processing and trade. The findings indicate that financial development significantly enhances the sustainable growth of the marine economy. However, the interaction between financial development, technology digitalization, and low-carbon initiatives leads to diminishing returns in terms of sustainability. Through the use of the Moran index and the spatial Durbin model, the analysis reveals a dual outcome: while financial development positively influences a city’s marine economic sustainability, it exerts negative spillover effects on neighboring cities. Previous studies have primarily focused on the relationship between financial development and the marine economy at the national or provincial level, leaving a gap in understanding these dynamics at the city level. Furthermore, the coordination between financial development and marine economic sustainability across cities within the same region remains largely unexplored. This study addresses these gaps by investigating city-level dynamics and examining intercity coordination between financial development and marine economic growth. The results offer a novel perspective for policymakers, highlighting strategies to balance regional financing for the marine economy with targeted investments in science, technology, digitalization, and low-carbon initiatives. This approach seeks to optimize resource allocation and mitigate potential substitution effects. Ultimately, this research contributes to a more nuanced understanding of the complex interplay between financial development and the marine economy at both city and regional levels. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Marine Bearing Capacity and Economic Growth)

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24 pages, 4790 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Dynamic Simulation and Evaluation of the Coupling Coordination Degree of the Marine Economy–Resource–Environment System in China

by Wei Yao and Xuefeng Wang

Water 2024, 16(18), 2686; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16182686 - 21 Sep 2024

Viewed by 1079

Abstract

As the scale of the marine economy continues to expand, the problems of environmental pollution and the over-exploitation of marine resources have become increasingly severe. The purpose of this study is to realize the sustainable growth of the marine economy, the rational utilization of resources, and the coordinated development of environmental protection. Method: This research first adopts the system dynamics (SD) model. It then uses the entropy method to weigh the evaluation indicators and create a coupling coordination degree (CCD) assessment simulation of the marine economic–resource–ecological environment. We use the created SD model to build and simulate four standard scenarios: current, economic, resource, and environmental. Finally, we propose suitable recommendations for the long-term development of the marine economy based on the coordination evaluation results of the CCD model. Results: Results show the following: (1) In the immediate term, the economic scenario is poorly coordinated, whereas the environmental scenario is more effectively coordinated. However, in the long-term development process, the resource scenario is reasonably well coordinated. (2) Priority attention must be given to improving the energy mix and protecting the natural environment to promote the sustainable development of the marine economy. (3) To achieve a virtuous cycle between marine economic development and environmental protection, governments, businesses, and all sectors of society need to work together to formulate and implement relevant policies and initiatives. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Marine Bearing Capacity and Economic Growth)

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13 pages, 986 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Research on Responsible Innovation Performance Evaluation in the Blue Economic Zone of Marine Industry

by Daokui Jiang, Su Wang and Zhuo Chen

Water 2024, 16(17), 2516; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16172516 - 5 Sep 2024

Viewed by 725

Abstract

Responsible innovation is attracting theoretical and practical research attention worldwide due to global climatic changes, severe resource shortages and intensifying environmental deterioration. However, there are still no studies concerning the performance evaluation of responsible innovation in the marine industry. Based on the practices of blue economic zones in China, a responsible innovation performance evaluation system for the marine industry was developed. Based on the data from 2013 to 2018, the responsible innovation performance of the blue economic zone of the marine industry in Shandong Province was evaluated by principal component analysis. The results demonstrated that (1) There was a rank of regions in terms of the comprehensive responsible innovation performance from high to low: Qingdao > Yantai > Weifang > Weihai > Dongying > Binzhou > Rizhao. (2) Considering annual variations, the comprehensive performance of responsible innovation of different regions exhibited slight fluctuations; however, Weihai had demonstrated significant improvement since 2016. (3) The performance trends across various regions indicated that regions exhibiting high performance consistently expanded their advantage over the six-year period. There was a “Matthew effect” in regional development, particularly evident in the disparities between Qingdao and other regions. (4) In regions that rank at the lower end, such as Rizhao, Binzhou, and Dongying, the development of responsible innovation progressed slowly. Finally, some management suggestions to improve innovation performance in the blue economic zone of the marine industry were proposed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Marine Bearing Capacity and Economic Growth)

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24 pages, 4368 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring Integrated Ocean Management Policy in China: Evolution, Challenges, and Prospects

by Hao Kong, Yuqi Zhang, Yi Zhang, Yao Xu, Gang Zhou and Su Wang

Water 2024, 16(12), 1673; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16121673 - 12 Jun 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1805

Abstract

Integrated ocean management (IOM) aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and serves as a crucial strategy for promoting the enduring health of marine ecosystems and the sustainable utilization of marine resources. An analysis of the evolution of China’s integrated ocean management policy (IOMP) is crucial for providing valuable guidance in achieving sustainable growth in marine management and the marine economy for both China and other coastal nations worldwide. This paper studies the evolution characteristics, challenges, and prospects of IOMP in China since 1978 using content analysis. The findings indicate that the evolution of IOMP can be categorized into four stages: the germination period (1978–1998), the construction period (1999–2009), the systematization period (2010–2017), and the strategization period (2018–present), based on the state of international marine management. The IOMP has transitioned over time from its initial emphasis on resource development during the germination period to a strategization period that prioritizes the full development of all parts of the system. However, the ultimate goal has consistently been to achieve harmonious coexistence between people and the sea. China’s IOMP has experienced a progressive development; nevertheless, it continues to encounter obstacles such as the pressing requirement to revise sea-related policies and the absence of policy alignment. The objective of this paper is to explore the evolution, challenges, and prospects of China’s IOMP to better improve the land–sea coordination policy, strengthen international judicial cooperation. and provide effective policy reference for other maritime countries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Marine Bearing Capacity and Economic Growth)

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18 pages, 1373 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Advancing Marine-Bearing Capacity and Economic Growth: A Comprehensive Analysis of Blue Economy Resilience, Network Evolution, and Technological Influences in China’s Coastal Areas

by Lina Yu, Dongxin Duan, Kwi-sik Min and Tao Wang

Water 2024, 16(7), 1019; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16071019 - 1 Apr 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1935

Abstract

This study presents a groundbreaking approach to evaluating the resilience of China’s blue economy, shedding light on its critical role in promoting sustainable development along the nation’s coastlines. By employing advanced methodologies such as social network analysis and the time-varying effect random graph model (TERGM), our research meticulously examines the period from 2007 to 2019. It uncovers the complex dynamics of resilience, focusing on the adversities of unbalanced growth and pinpointing pivotal factors which shape this resilience, including the stability of the marine economy, the rigor of environmental regulations, and the impact of technological progress. Through a strategic compilation of indicators, our analysis offers a detailed perspective on the multi-faceted nature of blue economy resilience. The outcomes underscore the necessity of enhancing network effectiveness and implementing specific measures to encourage sustainable expansion in coastal domains. Leveraging these insights, we advocate for targeted strategies to refine the resilience network’s framework, aiming to bolster the sustainable evolution of marine economic activities. This study not only deepens the understanding of marine economic resilience but also charts a course for achieving a resilient and sustainable blue economy. It stands as an indispensable guide for policymakers and scholars in the realm of marine economics, offering a blueprint for navigating the challenges and opportunities within this vital sector. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Marine Bearing Capacity and Economic Growth)

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24 pages, 5467 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Cloud Model-Based CRITIC-EDAS Decision-Making Approach with Linguistic Information for Marine Ranching Site Selection

by Tao Li and Ming Sun

Water 2024, 16(5), 688; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16050688 - 26 Feb 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1228

Abstract

Modern marine ranching construction has drawn growing attention of relevant planning authorities and enterprises with the potential value of oceans becoming apparent. To satisfy the demand for a successful marine ranching construction, site selection is considered as the first and fundamental procedure. This work aims to help planning authorities find the optimal marine ranching site by introducing a methodological evaluation framework for solving this critical problem. Firstly, the advanced CRiteria Importance Through Inter-criteria Correlation (CRITIC) method is extended by using a cloud model to determine the relative importance of attributes in marine ranching site selection problems. Secondly, the Evaluation based on Distance from Average Solution (EDAS) method is developed by integration with the cloud model to obtain the ranks of alternative sites for marine ranching construction. The proposed cloud model-based CRITIC-EDAS method considers the fuzziness and randomness of the linguistic terms given by experts simultaneously to ensure the scientificity and rationality of decision making. Finally, a real-world marine ranching site selection problem is solved by using the proposed model, where the efficiency and reliability of the proposed model are verified according to the comparison with other traditional multi-attribute decision-making methods. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Marine Bearing Capacity and Economic Growth)

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16 pages, 709 KiB

Open AccessArticle

How Does the Government Guide Marine Resource Enterprises in China to Improve Their Business Performance? A Path Analysis Based on DEA-fsQCA

by Juying Wang and Jialu Chen

Water 2024, 16(3), 408; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16030408 - 26 Jan 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1474

Abstract

Policy guidance is a key driving force for improving the business performance of marine resource enterprises. This study establishes a DEA-fsQCA model, selects 42 listed marine resource enterprises as samples, analyzes the business performance improvement paths of marine resource enterprises, and proposes relevant policy recommendations for the government to guide marine resource enterprises to improve their business performance. The result shows that there are three different path models for the high business performance of marine resource enterprises based on their scale and property-right attributes: the “private green innovation” type, the “private green concentration” type, and the “state-owned incentive decentralized” type. According to the research results, this study suggests that, in the process of promoting the improvement of the business performance of marine resource enterprises, the Chinese government should promote the green development of enterprises, stimulate the technological innovation vitality of private marine resource enterprises, optimize enterprise executive incentive policies, and deepen the reform of mixed ownership in state-owned enterprises. Compared with previous studies, this article presents a fresh perspective on researching marine resource enterprises from a macro perspective and constructs a policy system for improving the business performance of different types of marine resource enterprises, providing valuable reference and guidance for the high-quality development of marine resource enterprises and the overall marine economy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Marine Bearing Capacity and Economic Growth)

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19 pages, 15205 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Where Is the Path to Sustainable Marine Development? Evaluation and Empirical Analysis of the Synergy between Marine Carrying Capacity and Marine Economy High-Quality Development

by Xiaolong Chen, Zhe Yu, Chenlu Liang and Qianbin Di

Water 2024, 16(3), 394; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16030394 - 24 Jan 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1553

Abstract

Enhancing the marine carrying capacity (MCC) is of important value in hastening the transformation of the marine economy and realising the marine economy high-quality development (MEHD). We explore the synergistic mechanism between the MCC and MEHD and its comprehensive indicator system, measure the synergistic relationship between China’s MCC and MEHD from 2006 to 2020 using the improved TOPSIS model and the composite system synergism model, and explore the influencing factors and their interactions using geographic probes. The research findings are (1) that China’s MCC and MEHD show a growing trend during the study period, in which marine green development is at a higher level and the cultivation of marine knowledge improves most significantly, but the general value of the MEHD is relatively low. (2) In terms of the synergistic relationship, the degree of ordering of the two shows a sustained rising trend, and the degree of ordering of the marine economy development as a whole is higher than the MCC; the degree of synergy is increasing, but the general value of synergistic development is low. (3) The main factors driving the MCC and MEHD are the marine consumption capacity, the marine opening, and the marine industrial structure; the explanatory power of most factor interactions tends to decrease, and the explanatory power of the interactions among the development of land-based economy, the marine industry structure, and the marine economy increase, and the impacts of the different factor interactions on the synergistic development are all greater than the factors. The influence of different factors on synergistic development is greater than the influence of each factor alone. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Marine Bearing Capacity and Economic Growth)

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