Fishing participation rises 73% in a year in Chinese province

The recreational fishing industry in China is reportedly booming – if the southern island province of Hainan is anything to go by.

According to news site Xihuanet, the province saw the industry pick up momentum in 2023 with a total output value of more than 4 billion yuan (around $563 million).

That equates to a year-on-year surge of 90%, based on data from local authorities.

And statistics from the province’s Department of Agricultural and Rural Affairs reveal that participation reached almost 14 million throughout the year, a 73% increase over the previous 12 months,

The upsurge has been supported by the department’s robust plan to boost the development of recreational fisheries, including the building of eight recreational fishing demonstration sites, four offshore fishing competition sites, 12 recreational marine ranches and ten fishing wharves, all scheduled for completion within three years.

Steps have also been taken to strengthen industry management by streamlining the issuing and monitoring of fishing permits, inspecting fishing boats and improving safety measures. The aim is to provide a safe and regulated environment for fishing to build the sector’s credibility and attraction.

Little over a month ago, Angling International reported that China’s manufacturers are reshaping the sector by sharing business models to boost industrial output.