Marine Bearing Capacity and Economic Growth

Dear Colleagues,

Developments in science and technology and the increasing scope of human activities have led to the gradual realization of the advantages of oceans in terms of their resources, environment, space, and strategy. Because of their ecological and economic value, marine resources have become a dynamic force for the survival and development of the human race (Zhao et al., 2014). Marine resources are not a single type of ecological resource; rather, they are a combination of economic, social, and ecological elements. In exploiting marine resources, we should not only consider economic objectives but must also evaluate the influence of this exploitation and utilization on the local natural environment. Additionally, the economic and environmental influences on society following the exploitation of marine resources should first be evaluated. Because of the dynamic nature of marine resource exploitation, marine materials or environmental factors that were previously neglected have become economically useful under the backdrop of technical progress and social development. However, although the breadth and depth of ocean development have continued to increase, the fundamental state of marine resources in China remains poor with low occupancy per capita and inefficient resource utilization.

China faces the dual problem of transforming its economy while ensuring sustainable economic and environmental development. Hence, unyielding demand for resources and resulting energy shortages are expected to foster restrictions on Chinese social development for some time. The impetus behind the development of marine resources has been increasing. Nevertheless, it remains difficult to meet the present resource consumption requirements. The traditional economic growth model in China, with high pollution, high consumption, and low profit, has caused significant damage to the environment (Song et al., 2013). Moreover, the low prices have meant that resources have been excessively exploited and wasted. If the exploitation and utilization of marine resources become as extensive, unrestrained, and unsustainable as those of land resources, irreversible damage will occur. Presently, the exploitation and utilization of marine resources is at an early stage. Resource shortages can be overcome by enhancing the protection of marine resources and by nurturing mutual relationships.

China is likely to become a marine power, thereby raising the position of the oceans to an unprecedented height. Improving the quality of economic growth in China while guaranteeing the sustainable development of marine ecology and resources has been a major subject of recent debate. Because the resources per capita are relatively poor, developing marine resources to improve the marine bearing capacity is a problem in need of an urgent solution.

Therefore, it is timely to link the marine bearing capacity and economic growth. We invite policy contributions to explore the contemporary issues for this Special Issue. We also encourage submissions on technological progress, biodiversity resource change, and so on. This Special Issue invites scholars and experts to contribute to a systematic and in-depth discussion.

Prof. Dr. Shuhong Wang
Guest Editor

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• marine bearing capacity
• marine resources
• economic growth
• technology

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