Exploring Policy of Small-Scale Coastal Fisheries in China: Evolution, Challenges and Prospects

China plays a significant role in the global fishing industry. The small-scale fisheries (SSFs) operating along its coast have made noteworthy and invaluable contributions in the areas of poverty alleviation, protein provision, social equity, and overall socioeconomic development. Coastal small-scale fishing management is a persistent challenge for all fishing nations, including China. In recent years, China has made significant strides in adopting scientific and refined approaches to fishery management in this sector. This paper provides an overview of the development of China’s coastal fishery management practices, including changes in policies, methods, and modes since the establishment of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in 1949. To address these challenges, this research seeks to enhance the governance system of small-scale coastal fisheries by assessing values from three dimensions: society, economy, and ecology.