The potential role of industry associations in the reform towards more environmentally sustainable aquaculture in China

Abstract

The researcher was interested in exploring the potential role of industry associations in the reform towards more environmentally sustainable aquaculture in China. To achieve this purpose, the history and current state of aquaculture in China, regulations and policies concerning aquaculture and the role of industry association in the development of aquaculture in the literature was examined. Then a pool of qualitative methods, including document analysis, telephone interviews, observation and face-to-face interviews, was adopted as the research approach, to understand intentions, behaviors and situations perceived by those directly involved in the aquaculture business concerning the sustainable development of aquaculture and the prevailing role and functions of associations in the industry. The study found that most aquaculturists were not satisfied with the current associations for they do not have a substantive say to government authorities in China, are unable to enforce penalties on offending members and are detached from companies in the industry. In response to these findings, recommendations were made regarding the future development perspectives of aquaculture associations in China, and topics of interest for future studies were pointed out.