The Impact of Official Development Assistance (ODA) in Oceans and Fisheries Sector on Human Development and Income Inequality : Focusing on Governance

(Purpose)This study aims to empirically examine the impact of official development assistance (ODA) in the oceans and fisheries sector on human development and income inequality in developing countries. Given the increasing emphasis on sustainable oceans governance and inclusive development, the research seeks to assess whether marine-related aid contributes meaningfully to recipient countries’ socioeconomic progress. (Method) Using panel data from 115 recipient countries that received oceans and fisheries ODA between 2010 and 2022, this study applies a fixed effects model to identify causal relationships. Data sources include the OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC) and indicators such as the Human Development Index (HDI), GINI coefficient, and Worldwide Governance Indicators (WGI). (Results) The analysis finds that oceans and fisheries ODA has a statistically significant but negative association with the Human Development Index (HDI), suggesting that uncoordinated, finance-driven aid may hinder human development in recipient countries. In contrast, no statistically significant relationship was observed between oceans and fisheries ODA and income inequality (GINI). Additionally, the mediating role of governance (WGI) in the relationship between ODA and development outcomes was found to be insignificant. (Implications) The findings underscore the need for a paradigm shift in marine and fisheries ODA from financial input-centered models to more integrated, institutionally aware approaches. Policy interventions should prioritize strengthening local governance capacity, policy coherence, and institutional reform in recipient countries. To align oceans and fisheries ODA with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), donor countries must design aid strategies that support long-term human capital development and promote inclusive, accountable marine governance systems. Without such strategic reorientation, the developmental effectiveness and sustainability of oceans and fisheries ODA may remain limited