Digitalization and Operational Efficiency in Fisheries: Evidence from China

Fisheries contribute significantly to the global economy while playing a crucial role in environmental conservation, food security, and socio-economic development. Analyzing the operational efficiency of the fisheries industry not only enhances its economic and social benefits but strengthens the sector’s capacity for sustainable growth. This study initially evaluates the operational efficiency of Chinese fishery-listed companies using the DEA-BCC model and Malmquist index, both statically and dynamically, from 2012 to 2022. It then investigates the impact of digital transformation on the operational efficiency of these companies using the Tobit regression model. The findings reveal that the mean values of comprehensive, technical, and scale efficiency for Chinese fishery-listed firms are below 1, with scale efficiency exhibiting particularly low mean values under static conditions. Additionally, during the observation period, these companies’ average total factor productivity decreased by 0.1% annually compared to the base period. From a dynamic perspective, the decline in total factor productivity can primarily be attributed to reduced technical efficiency resulting from decreased scale efficiency. Ultimately, it can be reasonably concluded that the operational efficiency of listed fishing firms can be significantly enhanced by implementing digital transformation. This underscores the potential of digitalization as a critical factor in advancing the fisheries sector, facilitating modernization, and enabling intelligent upgrading across the industry.