RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Fishing under the Radar
JF Land Economics
FD University of Wisconsin Press
SP 330
OP 352
DO 10.3368/le.101.3.022824-0019R1
VO 101
IS 3
A1 Bos, Björn
YR 2025
UL http://le.uwpress.org/content/101/3/330.abstract
AB 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.