Regional disparities and dynamic evolution of competitiveness of marine fish aquaculture industry − A study of China

China has emerged as a major player in marine fish aquaculture, contributing significantly to economic, social, and environmental development. Analyzing the competitive evolution pattern of regional marine aquaculture is critical to promote the synergistic development of this industry. The “vertical and horizontal” scatter degree method was employed to examine the dynamic evolution trend and spatial non-equilibrium of the competitiveness level of marine fish aquaculture in nine Chinese provinces and cities. Using the σ-convergence model and absolute β-convergence model, the evolution of absolute differences was characterized. The study reveals the existence of stage and regional characteristics of marine fish aquaculture in the nine provinces and cities, with an observable gradient effect. The overall difference is observed to decrease, indicating a trend towards regional synergistic development in the marine fish aquaculture industry. This finding holds practical significance and theoretical value in promoting the growth of the industry.