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CHINA

China is a quickly developing nation that is increasing its demand of fish as its economy expands. With a coastline of about 18,000 km and a huge fish demand, it is an important country to consider when looking at the world's fisheries. China itself has recognized the issue of the world's declining fish populations and has accordingly established legal management systems for marine resource protection. With more than 108 natural reserves that total up to more than 7.69 million hectares and principles such as "conservation first, appropriate exploitation and sustainable development", it seems as if the country is well on its way to reaching sustainability. However, the problem arises when the efficiency of the system management is analyzed. With each department and governmental level having its own structure and laws, there is often competition, fragmentation, miscommunication, and general inefficiency. Similarly, lack of funds allow for minimal research and poor management. As the country continues to develop and expand, the demand for fish will increase as well. In order to prevent a complete fishing collapse in the near future, it is necessary to restructure the management of fishing reserves, analyze the flaws in the current political system, and increase funding to support research and management.

Citation:

1.  Information Office of the State Council Of the People's Republic of China, The Development of China's Marine Programs, May 1998, Beijing

2. Liu Yan, Qiu Jun, Problems and possible solutions of our country's marine reserves,  National Oceanic Administration Institute of Marine Development Strategy

3. Xinhua General News Service, China opens marine life biodiversity pretection center, October 11, 2006 

4. Guifang Xue, China And International Fisheries Law And Policy, 2005

ECONOMY 

Fish have played an integral role in the development of many economies. For example, the American colonies were able to develop financial independence with the abundance of cod, and the Vikings of Iceland made a fortune from the wealth of fish in the region. Now, centuries later, fish are still key players in the global economy. As developing countries have grown and consumers are becoming richer, the demand for fish is shaping the markets for seafood across the globe. Global consumption of fish has doubled in the past thirty years, with more than 90% of the developing world contributing to that increase. As more countries become dependent on this new staple, more economies have become based around the fisheries as well. In fact, the net exports of fish and fish products from developing countries to developed countries is worth well over $17 billion. Many of the developing countries' economies have grown due to the demand of fish. Although a fishery collapse is imminent, it is necessary to consider the economic impact certain policies and changes will have on the world economy.

Citations:

Kurlansky, Mark. Cod: A Biography of the Fish that Changed the World, 1997, Walker Publishing Company, Inc. USA

Delgado, Christopher, International Food Policy Research Institute, 2020 Vision Food Policy Report, Outlook for Fish to 2020: Meeting Global Demand �

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