China releases white paper on development of distant-water fisheries

BEIJING - China's State Council Information Office on Tuesday released a white paper titled "Development of China's Distant-Water Fisheries."

The white paper mainly focuses on seven aspects of China's distant-water fisheries (DWF) sector, including high-quality development, coordination of resource conservation and sustainable use, fulfillment of flag state duties, strict regulation, reinforcement of scientific and technological support, ensuring safety and increasing international cooperation.

China has stuck to the path of high-quality development of the DWF industry, and contributed to the development of the global DWF industry and the supply of aquatic products, the white paper said.

Data from the white paper showed that China's aquaculture production -- which reached 52.2 million tonnes in 2020 -- led the world, accounting for about 40 percent of the global total.

In terms of protection and development of fisheries resources, the country continuously strengthens fisheries resource conservation and management of the ecosystem, and pays close attention to climate change and biodiversity conservation.

The white paper also noted China's engagement in scientific surveys of high seas fisheries resources, participation in research initiatives led by regional fisheries management organizations, and progressive upgrading of 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, according to the white paper.