Digital technologies driving economic growth and sustainability in fisheries

The study also uncovers a threshold effect, meaning that the positive impact of the digital economy on fisheries productivity is not linear but varies depending on the level of digital maturity in each region. Initially, as fisheries adopt digital technologies, there is a significant boost in efficiency and environmental sustainability.

For centuries, fisheries have been the backbone of coastal economies, but with growing environmental challenges and resource depletion, the industry faces a crucial turning point. The digital economy has emerged as a powerful tool in improving green total factor productivity (GTFP) in fisheries, a key metric that assesses production efficiency while factoring in environmental sustainability.

A study titled "The Impact of the Digital Economy on Sustainable Fisheries: Insights from Green Total Factor Productivity in China’s Coastal Regions" examined 11 coastal provinces in China between 2011 and 2022 to reveal that digital transformation has led to improved resource efficiency, reduced environmental impact, and enhanced economic performance. One of the primary findings of the study is that the digital economy enhances fishery productivity while promoting sustainability. 

Regional disparities in digital adoption and fishery productivity

While the digital economy has improved overall fisheries productivity, its impact varies significantly across different regions. The study finds notable regional heterogeneity, with coastal areas experiencing varying degrees of digital adoption and infrastructure development. The Eastern Marine Economy Circle (including Shanghai, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang) has seen the highest increase in fishery GTFP, benefiting from strong government policies, advanced technological infrastructure, and significant private investment in digital transformation. In contrast, the Northern Marine Economy Circle (covering Hebei, Tianjin, Liaoning, and Shandong) has lagged behind, primarily due to slower technology adoption, limited investment, and weaker regulatory frameworks.

The Southern Marine Economy Circle (Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, and Hainan) has demonstrated moderate growth but also faces regional imbalances. For example, while Guangdong has rapidly integrated AI-driven fisheries management and blockchain-based supply chain tracking, Guangxi and Hainan continue to struggle with limited digital infrastructure and financial support for modernizing traditional fishing operations. These disparities highlight the need for targeted policy interventions to ensure that all coastal regions benefit equally from digital advancements in fisheries.

The threshold effect: How digital maturity influences sustainable growth

The study also uncovers a threshold effect, meaning that the positive impact of the digital economy on fisheries productivity is not linear but varies depending on the level of digital maturity in each region. Initially, as fisheries adopt digital technologies, there is a significant boost in efficiency and environmental sustainability. However, as regions reach a higher level of digitalization, the marginal benefits of further technological investment begin to decline.

This threshold effect suggests that simply increasing digital infrastructure is not enough - fisheries must also focus on integrating AI-driven decision-making tools, improving data utilization, and fostering industry-wide cooperation to maximize long-term gains. The research indicates that regions with comprehensive digital strategies, including AI-powered analytics, predictive modeling, and IoT-based environmental monitoring, experience more sustained improvements in GTFP. Policymakers and industry leaders should not only invest in digital expansion but also ensure that existing technologies are effectively utilized to maintain continuous growth and sustainability in the fisheries sector.

Policy recommendations and the future of digital fisheries

The study calls for stronger government policies, industry collaboration, and targeted investment. Policymakers should focus on reducing regional digital disparities by investing in smart fisheries technologies across all coastal areas, particularly in regions lagging in digital adoption. Additionally, creating financial incentives for fisheries to implement sustainable practices through digital tools can encourage more widespread adoption.

Educational programs and AI training for fisheries operators should also be expanded to ensure that industry professionals understand and can effectively utilize digital tools to improve sustainability and productivity. Moreover, integrating blockchain technology for transparent tracking of fishery supply chains can further enhance the credibility of sustainable fisheries while ensuring compliance with international environmental standards.

The future of sustainable fisheries will depend on the integration of AI, big data, and environmental monitoring technologies to create a more efficient, transparent, and eco-friendly industry. As governments, businesses, and researchers continue to explore how best to align economic and environmental goals, the digital economy will undoubtedly play a critical role in shaping the future of marine resource management.