Oceans provide most of the oxygen we breathe and much of our earth’s
biodiversity, in addition to being a source of economic activity and enjoyment
for all of us. Nearly three billion people around the world depend on the ocean
for protein. But virtually all the world’s oceans are badly overfished. By some
estimates, our oceans could be empty of fish in just 30 years—within most
people’s lifetimes.
To many people in China, the 21st century is “the ocean
century.” The ocean represents a rich cache of resources, and China is
developing economic, military, scientific and technological capabilities in
order to become a “strong ocean country.”
The China Ocean Institute is a consulting firm that conducts research on
Chinese ocean and fisheries policy.