China's distant water fishing industry: Evolving policies and implications

► China's distant water fishing (DWF) industry is driven mainly by profit and domestic unemployment concerns. ► China is planning further expansion of its DWF industry. ► China largely follows international norms and rules on sustainable fisheries management, but challenges remain. ► Chinese fishing behavior abroad may threaten biological and socioeconomic sustainability in host countries. ► The industry is influenced by the actions of developed countries.