Assessing Marine Resource Carrying Capacity: Methods, Economic Impacts, and Management Strategies

Abstract

In recent years, the marine economy has experienced rapid development, with increasing scale of marine exploration and utilization. Against this backdrop, the importance of the marine resource carrying capacity (MRCC) for sustainable development has become increasingly prominent. This paper reviews the research progress on MRCC, exploring its connotations, characteristics, measurement methods, and influencing factors. First, the paper briefly introduces MRCC from the perspectives of its connotation and characteristics, highlighting its crucial role in both marine resource development and ecological protection. Second, it summarizes relevant research on MRCC measurement methods from the viewpoints of single-factor evaluation and composite indicator assessment, analyzing the advantages, disadvantages, and appropriate application scenarios of each method. Furthermore, the paper analyzes the significant impact of human activities and economic development on MRCC, emphasizing that appropriate management strategies and policies can effectively mitigate the risk of MRCC decline. Finally, the paper suggests that future research should focus on improving the accuracy of assessment models, identifying the scope of impacts caused by carrying capacity changes, and utilizing policy and financial tools to address the challenges posed by carrying capacity decline, with the aim of achieving sustainable use of marine resources and promoting the healthy development of the marine economy.