Techno-economic performance review of selected fishing fleets in Asia

Book excerpt: This techno-economic performance review of selected fishing fleets in Asia presents the findings of six country level studies of fishing fleets in Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, Japan and the Republic of Korea. The review includes financial and economic information of 27 major fishing fleet segments, including trawlers, gillnetters, long liners, jiggers, purse seiners, as well as pole and line fishing vessels. An analysis of the costs and earnings data of these important fishing fleet segments in Asia was carried out using national statistics of 2017 for the Japanese and the Korean fleet segments and 2018-19 survey data for the other countries. Eighty-nine percent of the 27 fishing fleet segments reported positive net cash flows. Seventy percent of the fishing fleets realized net profit margins of more than 10 percent. Eighty-one percent of the fishing fleets reported positive results in terms of their capital productivity, as theirs returns on fixed tangible assets (ROFTAs) were positive.The review shows that investments in fishing vessels and fishing operations of these major Asian fishing fleets are generally profitable. Marine capture fishing is a financially viable economic activity in all six major fishing nations included in the review. It generates enough income to cover depreciation costs, interest and loan repayments, and provides sufficient financial resources for reinvestment. Nearly 60 percent of the fishing fleets generated returns on investment (ROIs) of 15 percent and higher, which signals an attractive sector for investments. The total gross value added (GVA) of the 27 fishing fleets to the Asian regional economy was substantial and estimated at around USD 66 billion. The review also reveals a need for adequate management measures, including fleet capacity management plans, to improve the status of fish stock in the region and maintain a healthy and profitable fishing sector.