Fishing capacity of light-purse seine in Fujian Province

According to the fisheries statistical data issued by the relevant authorities in Fujian Province, both methods, the peak to peak(PTP) and the data envelopment analysis(DEA), were debuted to assess the fishing capacity and the capacity utilization of light-purse seines(LPS) in Fujian. The results showed that the capacity of LPS was not sufficiently utilized in the past years, but the trend of PTP technology showed that the fishing technology of LPS was becoming more and more efficient during that period. The DEA method was also applied to estimate the capacity and capacity utilization of LPS which was operated in the Minnan-Taiwan Shoal Fishing Ground(MTSFG) during the past 13 years, the results of which indicated the average capacity utilization being 79.9% and the fishing capacity of LPS being not sufficient in the Ground too. The number of fishing days was one of major factors affecting the fishing capacity of LPS in the Ground. Moreover, the authors also applied the DEA method to assess the capacity and capacity utilization of LPS in Hui′an County. The results showed that the utilization of LPS was 84.4% in 2001 and 95.7% in 2002. The major factors affecting the fishing capacity of LPS were included the light equipment for fish attraction, the number of fishing days spent in a year, the engine power operated and the gross tonnage of fishing boats involved. However, other factors such as the gear size, the number of crew and the auxiliary engine power need to be provided properly.