Fishing under the Radar: Illuminating Compliance with China’s Annual Fishing Moratorium

Björn Bos

Land Economics, 2025, vol. 101, issue 3, 330-352

Abstract: This article evaluates the world’s largest fishing ban—the annual fishing moratorium in China—and assesses compliance with the ban. I begin by estimating the reduction in fishing effort resulting from the ban, using vessel broadcast positions and fishing boat detections from nighttime lights. The analysis reveals a reduction in fishing activity of up to 90%. I then investigate the characteristics of noncompliant vessels and their responses to the policy: fishers increase catches during evenings and nights, disable vessel broadcast devices, and engage in more transshipment events. I find that attractive income opportunities during the ban undermine compliance.

JEL-codes: Q22 Q28 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
Note: DOI: https://doi.org/10.3368/le.101.3.022824-0019R1
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:uwp:landec:v:101:y:2025:i:3:p:330-352

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