Optimizing the special fishing license system during a summer fishing moratorium in the Bohai and Yellow seas: a study based on the perspective of fishers

The special fishing license system during a summer fishing moratorium has been implemented in China since 2017, aiming to achieve rational utilization of fishery resources whilst improving fishers' incomes. Fishers are the implementing entity of the special fishing license system. Assessing their satisfaction with fisheries management policies is crucial for evaluating policy effectiveness, understanding fishers’ needs, and promoting system optimization. Using a Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) approach on data gathered via semi-structured interviews and online surveys, we measure fishers’ satisfaction with the special fishing license system and its influencing factors, with a focus on the Japanese common squid (Todarodes pacificus) and the mantis shrimp (Oratosquilla oratoria). Our results demonstrated that fishers were generally satisfied with the special fishing license system. The mean overall satisfaction score for the T. pacificus fishery was 4.7 out of 5, which is higher than that for the O. oratoria fishery (4.1 out of 5). Overall, satisfaction with the special fishing license system in the T. pacificus fishery is higher than that in the O. oratoria fishery in all aspects. Satisfaction directly promoted willingness to participate in both fisheries, with an effect size of 0.168 and 0.518 for T. pacificus and O. oratoria fisheries. Socio-economic benefit has a significant influence on both satisfaction and willingness to participate. Fishers in the O. oratoria fishery expressed much lower willingness to participate due to the relatively low scores on the fishing period, the fishing area, and the impact on fishers' income. The optimization of the special fishing license system should take into account both the characteristics of fishery resources and socio-economic factors. To improve the fairness and practicability of the special fishing license system and promote high-quality development of marine fisheries, it is suggested to implement measures including carrying out ongoing fishery resource surveys and fishing monitoring, enabling flexible adjustment of fishing operations, and strengthening the organizational management of fishing vessels.