Does aquatic products trade waste or save water resources? An analysis of virtual water trade

Abstract

China is the largest producer and exporter of aquatic products. While earning foreign exchange, its implied water resources output could not be denied. Against the background of promoting water resources and food security, whether aquatic products trade can also achieve the purpose of water-saving has become a topic worthy of attention. Based on the idea of the quality and energy conservation law, this study uses the physical value input-output table and the fish growth model, and calculates the output and input of China's aquatic products virtual water trade indirectly by fishery water coefficient and virtual water of feed crops. The results show that while China's aquatic products trade is water-saving in general, it is water-wasting in some parts, and its environmental function needs to be improved. In particular, the aquatic products trade with South Asia, Central Asia, Northern Europe, North America, South America and Oceania is virtual water net import, while that with other regions is virtual water net export. The trade of shellfish and marine fish is water-saving, while that of mollusk, crustacean and freshwater fish is water-wasting. China, as a globally responsible power, should try to dynamically optimize the trade structure of aquatic products.